April 2020
Abigail
Sickafus
,
Student Nurse
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing
Pittsburgh
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Abigail was taking care of a complex patient with many needs. Due to the patient's disposition, restraints and a sitter, and continual need for suction, Abigail was continually in the room to ensure the patient's safety and prompt and meticulous care. Under her care, the patient was more responsive, even smiled and joked with her, and was receptive to her care and monitoring.
Abigail advocated for her patient when the physicians and surgeons were in the room to ensure the patient's comfort and safety. He responded to her voice every time she spoke with him, and she showed him compassion, dignity, and respect with every interaction they had. The patient ultimately had a condition, and Abigail was in the room and promptly reported the change in condition to the team. She stayed in the room with the patient and assisted during the code by answering the questions of the code team. She even assisted the transport to the intensive care unit, where she ensured her patient arrived safely and settled into his new room. She displayed phenomenal caring and advocated for her patient every chance she could.