Dana Harney has been a transplant coordinator for TCH for 4 years. One particular patient has been with her since she began, A. A is soon to be 18 years old. He is currently in need of a second kidney transplant. A also has a difficult family situation, his mother has an illness which requires multiple hospital admissions. This has made it difficult for A to move forward with evaluation for a second kidney transplant.
Dana made sure the opportunity for A would not be missed. She contacted the mother's nurse during an inpatient stay at Memorial Hermann, and faxed forms to the unit for the mother to sign consent for A. Without this he would not have been able to be worked up for a second transplant prior to his upcoming birthday. As Dana's counterpart, I observe her go above measures to make sure A would be presented for kidney transplant medical review before his 18th birthday.
A's situation would change, and Dana would reschedule and accommodate the family needs. I think if a less aggressive nurse cared for A, he would not have the opportunity he has now. She inspired me to be a better coordinator and showed me what it is like to really be an exceptional nurse who puts her patient and family needs first and overcomes obstacles that stand in the way.