October 2018
Alesha
Church
,
RN, CEN
Emergency Department
Franklin Wood Community Hospital
Johnson City
,
TN
United States

 

 

 

The Emergency Department is an ever-changing work area. The environment can and does change in a moments notice. Of utmost importance is the safety of our patients and team. As a shift leader, the proverbial weight rests on the shoulders of a shift leader. Alesha manages (juggles) the many roles required with ease and expertise. Often when people are placed in stressful situations, mannerisms can change and not always for the good. Recently, there have been several stressful situations and I have had the opportunity to watch Alesha in action. Yesterday was a very mentally and emotionally challenging day for a couple of our behavioral health patients and the team in the ED. Alesha was quick to intercede and take control of the situation preventing further escalation of the patient's emotions and tempers. In fact, Alesha was able to de-escalate both patients by developing a good rapport. She treated each patient with respect, even though both patients were screaming and yelling profanities to Alesha and others. Alesha managed to gain the trust of both patients which allowed the patients to regain some composure without the further embarrassment of loss of dignity. I was/am very proud to have Alesha helping me lead this team. She sets a high standard and is a role model for all.