Having an urgent care on Federal connected to a family health center has unique challenges. This urgent care sees everything from patients who cannot get into their primary care doctor to an emergent patient who could not find a ride so they walked here. So our nurses have a diverse skill set when working with patients. However, nothing could prepare the nurses for the gunshot wound through the neck that was dropped off in front of the clinic. Two women walked into the urgent care clinic and said that someone needed help out front. Brandi responded, noted the arterial bleeding neck wound, and went into quick action calling for help removing her scrub top and applying pressure to the neck. She ran the COR until EMS and DPD arrived. She was recognized by multiple MDs that work in the clinic stating the following:
"I wanted to reach out and thank you for your heroic response to provide care to the young victim who was left at the Pena entrance yesterday afternoon. I know of at least 4 staff and providers who have specifically called you out for your rapid and professional actions, including applying pressure directly to the neck wound as well as organizing the code. We are lucky to have you at the Pena urgent care clinic. You are highly appreciated by your colleagues."
"You may have heard this already, but I have consistently seen how amazing Brandi was last night. I checked in with all 3 of my residents who were at the scene and they all separately said that Brandi and the UC did such a great job. I know last night was intense for everyone involved, but I wanted to make sure to pass on this feedback."
"I'm sure you've both heard about the evening's stab wound victim. I just wanted to make sure that both of you know how heroically Brandi acted in rushing to his side applying pressure to establish tuned and organizing the code/peri-code situation."
"Whatever happened at Pena, care was excellent. Very surprised that the patient arrived at DH alive with the ultimately unsurvivable injuries."
Truly a nurse that received this type of accolade following such a traumatic incident executed great clinical skills. We are a BLS urgent care with minimal resources and equipment All peers stated they were so relieved that Brandi was on staff. Brandi was an ED nurse for many years prior to her transfer and her ability to stay calm and focused during this event supported the clinic, her team, and the patient. During a very trying and difficult situation.