Kipp Stahl
November 2014
Kipp
Stahl
,
RN
PACU
Sanford USD Medical Center
Sioux Falls
,
SD
United States

 

 

 

This is a very overdue DAISY Award nomination for a person we don't even know. I believe that Kipp saved my wife's life.

In April 2014, Susan, was in surgery having her breast bone removed. It had not healed and was infected after her open heart surgery in March. Her chest was to be left open for several days with a large clear plastic wrap over it and vacuum pump hose coming out to allow the doctors to watch for infection and to prepare for the plastic surgeon to close the wound. Kipp was in the Post Op Room preparing Susan to return to her room when suddenly she had a big cough. The cough caused her ribs to spread apart too far and it tore 1.2 centimeter rip in the left ventricle of her heart. Her chest began filling up with blood and she had blood sucking out the vacuum pump hose. Kipp saw this happen and took immediate action, clamping off the vacuum hose and putting both hands over her chest bandage, putting pressure on the wound.

Because of Kipp's quick thinking and action, once the check cavity filled with blood and with Kipp continuing to apply pressure to the bandage, the heart started beating normally and supplying blood to the body again. If Kipp had not applied pressure to the bandage, it would have blown out with pressure from the heart beating. It is a miracle that she had enough blood flow to reach everywhere and not do major damage to her body.

She has since made a full recovery with no damage or side effect at all. We both will be forever grateful to Kipp for his extraordinary instincts and quick thinking.

...

Kipp works as a staff nurse and Clinical Care Coordinator (CCC) in PACU. He is a very skilled nurse and serves as a resource to coworkers, especially with critically ill patients. We have received many positive comments about Kipp's clinical skills and work ethic from physicians and staff.

Kipp was a CCC in Critical Care before joining the PACU team. This leadership experience has helped Kipp transition into PACU leadership roles. Kipp has volunteered for projects and committees within the department. He serves as a preceptor for new employees. He created a line-placement cart for PACU, to assist staff in having necessary equipment at the bedside for emergency procedures. In 2014 Kipp joined the PACU Scheduling Committee. Kipp's calm manner and communication style are a good fit for interacting with coworkers about their scheduling needs.

Kipp partners with patients, families, and staff to deliver safe and reliable care. He displays professional excellence and accountability, demonstrates compassionate and respectful relationships, honors the individuality of each patient, and is an excellent team member. We are privileged to have Kipp as a member of the PACU team.

Rose Ligtenberg, PACU Clinical Manager

Kathy Fujan, PACU Clinical Manager