Jaclyn Gilbert
October 2013
Jaclyn
Gilbert
,
RN, CAPA, CN3
Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU)
Maine Medical Center
Portland
,
ME
United States

 

 

 

Jackie is an extraordinary nurse who truly "made a difference" in a woman's life. Without hesitation, she responded with her BLS training and knowledge as a former CICU nurse, and saved the life of a stranger in a non-hospital setting.

While enjoying lunch with her elderly mother, Jackie witnessed a woman collapse to the floor. Within a brief minute, Jackie assessed the woman(difficult due to the woman's obesity) and determined there was no respiration and no pulse.

Being the only person to respond, while others stood around in fear and uncertainty, Jackie took control. She directed the restaurant manager to call rescue and get an AED.

She was told there was no AED on the premise. With no ability to assess the patient's heart rhythm, Jackie proceeded to provide chest compressions as a single rescuer for 15 minutes or so until the paramedics arrived. An AED was then attached, indicating a shockable rhythm. The woman was shocked and her pulse returned.

The woman was transported by ambulance to MMC and survived to be admitted to CICU. South Portland Chief of Police Edward Googins stated in his letter to Jackie: the responding officers "were incredibly complimentary of your efforts that undoubtedly saved a life".

In her RN Clinical III role in ASU, Jackie combines her knowledge, compassion, leadership, and kindness to provide quality nursing care on a daily basis. Her response during the life-saving situation exemplifies her nursing style.

I worked with Jackie years ago in CICU, which was the first job for both of us as graduate nurses. I am proud to work with her now in ASU. And honored to nominate my friend and peer who I believe is an extraordinary nurse so deserving of the DAISY Award.