Dana Sudduth
January 2014
Dana
Sudduth
,
RN, BSN
Neuro Critical Care
Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics
Tyler
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

...My husband was transferred to Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler via the Flight for Life helicopter after suffering a subarachnoid bleed in his brain. He had a drain in his head that was draining large amounts of fluids. It was Dana's dedication to her patient, combined with her vast amount of knowledge and her sure determination that he received the best care possible, that led to the diagnosis and treatment of the true nature of his illness.

Dana was concerned that the fluid draining was more than what should be expected based on his admitting diagnosis. She followed through with her hunch' (based on years of nursing experience) and discussed with his physicians the possibility of the fluid being tested for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid. She collaborated with the physicians to obtain the answers needed for the possibility of additional diagnoses and modification of the treatment plan. She used all the tools at her disposal - including the online reference library to do an evidence-based search - to research his condition.

Thanks to Dana's dedication, knowledge and persistence, my husband received an operation to stop the leaking cerebrospinal fluid. He is now on the road to recovery. She is a true depiction of the Trinity Mother Frances mission: As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Trinity Mother Frances to enhance community heath through service with compassion, excellence and efficiency.

Every interaction Dana and I shared throughout my husband's hospitalization demonstrated she is a compassionate, excellent and efficient nurse. I believe my husband would still be fighting for his life if it were not for Dana. My entire family believes we owe my husband's recovery to Dana and the excellent team of caregivers in the Neurological Critical Care unit.