I had a patient on a Heparin drip and was having trouble figuring out the right Heparin protocol in relation to the patient's labs. The shift had been a busy one and I was unable to find a nurse who could help me figure whether to Bolus the patient or not, based on her labs. I called Sandra who came down to help with my situation. She took the time to explain the Heparin drip protocol to me and helped me call phlebotomy for a stat lab. After labs were drawn we ended up shutting off the Heparin because the patient's Aptt was sub-therapeutic. After the shift ended, Sandra came back to the unit, to follow-up with me to make sure everything had been done correctly and that I had an understanding of what to do when giving a patient a Heparin drip. It was a scary moment for me because I was dealing with such a high-risk drug and was not sure of what to do to ensure my patient's safety.
I truly appreciate Sandra for taking time away from her work to make sure that my patient was safe and to turn our situation into a teaching moment. I felt relieved and confident with Sandra at the bedside with me. When I went home and reflected on this specific moment I felt grateful to be able to work with this great nurse, Sandra Ramos. Her willingness to teach and nurture many of the new grad RNs on the floor is extraordinary she exemplifies the kind of nurse I hope to be to my peers.