8E had an extraordinary year providing patient-centered care to all—but I think we can all collectively agree one encounter stands out among the rest.  While not much tends to surprise us on our floor anymore, this particular case is unique in that this patient has been on our floor for upwards of 10 months. With permission from this patient’s mother, I would like to share this patient’s journey on 8E and some examples of the exceptional care given by our 8E team led by RNs.  

This patient was involved in an automobile accident in which she had suffered an aortic dissection and extensive abdominal injuries. During her 10 months on 8E we have had the opportunity to aid in her recovery; with our main focuses being intestinal wound healing, mobility, mental health, and infection prevention.  

In regards to the healing of this patient’s intestines—which had previously been described as “mashed potato consistency”, we have collaborated and advocated as a team in a way that I have yet to see in my 7 years at Riley. While this patient is still facing ongoing challenges with intestinal fistulas actively leaking stool; our team has found new, creative ways to maintain this abdominal wound and protect this patient’s skin—from multiple drainage tubes, to layers upon layers of powders and creams, down to the EXACT number of pieces of gauze to use during each dressing change! 

Our wound care RNs, (Tracy Swift and Cara Flanigan) have even made themselves available on days they were not scheduled to assist in managing this wound. Recently, 8E RNs have managed their time beautifully (while in a 4-patient assignment) to provide delicate and thorough dressing changes 3+ times per shift.  8E floor and wound RNs have worked tirelessly to save this patient’s skin from further damage. To note- in the 10 months on 8E, this patient has not suffered additional skin injuries as a result of our team of RN’s diligence and patient advocacy.  

This patient has spent over a year in the hospital and has had over 25 surgeries. This patient has missed holidays, birthdays, births, funerals, summer vacations, their sophomore year of high school with friends, school dances, and the color guard season. While on 8E, our nurses have done all that we can to promote positivity and to make the most of every day. 

8E encourages family time— We are sure to manage our time wisely in a way that is considerate of family game time, walks off the unit, and family prayer. 8E also advocated for exceptions to visitor restrictions; this alone has done wonders for this patient and their family’s mental health. With the help of this patient’s family, 8E assisted in a surprise visit from the patient’s grandmother, whom they had not seen since the accident 10 months prior. We were also able to advocate for this patient to visit with a great uncle who has since passed, and their new baby cousin whom they had not yet had the opportunity to meet due to their hospital stay. 

8E encourages the celebration of milestones and holidays. While we realize the hospital is not the most ideal or fun place to spend the holidays, 8E RNs still put in a tremendous effort to make this holiday season a special one. This included providing the patient with the resources to do seasonal activities such as carving and painting their own pumpkins, decorating Christmas cookies, and gingerbread houses.  

8E staff also advocated for a 16th birthday celebration with friends and family on the unit--- a birthday we were not so sure the patient would be here for! 8E RNs and staff helped drench our team report room in pink and gold, and with balloons, and banners—just as they wanted for their birthday bash! A video, put together by rec therapist, Skylar Meeter, comprised of family, friends, and 8E team members sending well wishes, played while they opened gifts and played games with friends and family. Our care extends to this patient’s family as well. We have made this patient’s family feel so welcome on 8E that this patient’s sister even got engaged in our team room during the patient’s sweet 16 celebration!   

8E encourages FUN — With the help and generosity of Dr. Knouse and Denney Excavating Inc., 8E was able to safely prepare and send this patient to the Taylor Swift concert in Indianapolis! Our wound and anesthesia team came in on their day off to provide a wound dressing change under sedation that would last through the concert. 8E floor nurses adjusted medication, TPN, and dressing change schedules accordingly to ensure a safe and memorable once in a lifetime experience! In the days leading up to the concert, 8E team members covered this patient’s room in T. Swift decor and made sure this patient was adorned in iconic best friend bracelets to trade before heading out for the show. 8E RNs were ready for this patient’s arrival back to the floor— to start their TPN, provide a wound dressing change, give medication, bathe, and get them settled in bed all while having the opportunity to hear all about their experience! Coordinating this (successful!!) surprise and experience for this patient was a huge team effort by all of 8E!  

8E encourages self-care and mobility-- Recently, our patient was able to have a real spa day, their first in over a year! Thanks to the coordination of 8E RNs, this patient was able to get their hair washed, cut, and styled by a licensed professional right here in the hospital! This small act put together by RNs improved this patient’s self-confidence instantly! 8E recognizes frequent “self-care days” and completing ADLs are important in building confidence and promoting a positive mentality. 8E encourages frequent “spa days,” drawing special attention and education on how to keep their central line clean, dry, and intact. To note—this patient has had a central line for the entirety of their 10-month stay on 8E and has not acquired a CLABSI on our unit.   

8E encourages mobility-- with the help and encouragement from our 8E staff and Physical Therapist, Abby Dunlap, our patient has seen an incredible improvement in mobility.  Frequent walks and ADLs are highly encouraged and celebrated by the whole team. This patient was bedridden at the beginning of their stay, now you will see them practicing their color guard routine around the unit! —an activity that the patient and family were unsure they would ever get to do again. 

This is just one patient encounter among so many on 8E that could be highlighted for this award. Our staff has really focused on patient advocacy and patient-centered care this year, and it shows. Multiple 8E RNs received one or more individual DAISY nominations this past year and 8E even had a 100% patient experience rating last month! Again, I would like to recognize and celebrate the staff members on 8E and our partners in care mentioned above for their exceptional care and team effort this year.  In working together, I know we have made a difference in the lives of our patients and families this year.