While I was rounding in the ICU to check on ICU staff regarding the upcoming KPHC Upgrade and getting their feedback on e-whiteboard, I noticed that Francis was tied up with his patient.
Francis told me that this patient is a 40-year-old male with a diagnosis of ARDS due to Influenza. He told me that this patient is too young, and he is so worried about the patient's critical condition. He verbalized to me, "We have to be aggressive to save this man; he is too young."
With his extensive skills, knowledge, and experience taking care of these kinds of patients, Francis proactively made a recommendation to the Intensivist, Dr. D based on his experience. As a Cardio-Thoracic nurse, he told Dr. D about the UCLA mobile ECMO services, that they can come over to Panorama City and render their services to our patients needing treatment like his patient.
After his conversation with Dr. D, Francis initiated calls to UCLA Mobile ECMO and connected Dr. D with the Intensivist at UCLA. After the Intensivists had their handoff, financial issues cleared, and special privileges granted, the UCLA mobile ECMO team consists of 8 staff arrived, cannulated, and transported the patient to UCLA. The patient was transported safely to UCLA with a positive outcome.
Francis demonstrated the true essence of a Certified Critical Registered Nurse; highly competent, innovator, applying evidence-based practice in his nursing care, excellent team member, great collaborator with the Intensivist, Charge Nurse, House Supervisor, Case Manager, and Social Worker. Because of his extraordinary skills as a Cardio-Thoracic RN, he was able to save this man's life. Francis exhibited the core values of our professional practice model, Voice of Nursing-patient centered care, compassion, excellence, teamwork, integrity, and professionalism.
Thank you, Francis, for providing Extraordinary nursing care. Every patient. Every time.