I am a nurse from endoscopy and Elise Overstreet was the primary nurse in the MICU who was caring for a patient we were preparing for a procedure. Elise greeted the endoscopy team, as we arrived for the procedure. As we were doing the procedure, she made sure we had the supplies needed for the exam and even noticed that the suction canister was getting full and changed it out during the procedure. Even our endoscopist commented twice on how helpful she was. She also communicated very clearly with our physician that the patient had been ordered blood transfusion earlier in the shift but due to antibody allergies, the blood transfusion was delayed. While we were scoping, the unit of blood arrived and she communicated with the physician that it needed to be hanging by 30 minutes after receiving any blood products. She was detailed in saying when she would hang the blood as we were busy with the procedure and didn't want to interrupt the patient's IV infusions. Our physician was very concerned about low blood pressure so Elise stood in the door monitoring the patient and her vital signs throughout the procedure and would occasionally say, "Her vitals are looking good." She and I worked together to get the blood initiated and all the vitals taken prior to blood start.
We were planning to do a double procedure (an EGD after the colonoscopy) and when we got set up for the 2nd procedure, the patient became very agitated and confused and attempted to get out of the bed. We sent for the patient's sister to help calm the patient down. I listened as Elise talked to the sister and I was so overwhelmed by her compassion and words that I felt I must write this nomination. She explained, "Mrs. (x) received some medication for sedation and she has become very confused. Has she ever experienced this before? Well, I don't want you to be alarmed as these medicines will take some time to get out of her system. Meanwhile, we are going to do some things to keep her safe until she clears up." The sister verbalized understanding of the situation. Just prior to leaving, I checked on Elise and the patient and the patient was noticeably calmer as Elise had calmed the environment by turning down the lights, limiting distractions and talking very calmly and soothing to the patient and the sister.