Jennifer Pai
December 2023
Jennifer
Pai
,
BSN
CCU
Huntington Health an Affiliate of Cedars Sinai
Pasadena
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

The patient fluttered his eyes, and Jen reassured him he was safe and that she would be by his side.
Whenever a code is called, Jen follows through with anything and everything they can do until physicians and the ICU nurse arrive. Jennifer Pai is one of the ICU nurses who, when she comes to the code, the DOU staff breathes a sigh of relief. One particular code was called for a patient who very quickly became hypotensive, was in severe distress, and appeared to be fading fast. Within a matter of minutes, the patient was unresponsive, and blood pressure was in the 60s due to an internal bleed. Before the physicians arrived, Jen started to delegate with clear, calm confidence, not forgetting to say please and thank you (how does she do this?).

During the code, Jen clearly stated that the patient could not be transferred until his blood pressure was stable. Although it seemed the blood pressure may not improve, Jen was steadfast and continued to be the patient's advocate as if she were treating a loved one. While multitasking with pressors, assisting with intubation, and monitoring blood pressure, Jen remained aware of the simultaneous interventions around her. The patient received numerous blood products, which could have created an unsafe situation. She ensured protocol was followed for every blood product given.

Following intubation, it was clear that the patient's physical and mental well-being was at the forefront of Jen's mind. When we started packing up to move the patient to the ICU, we noticed Jen was leaning over the patient, saying his name, and asking him to open his eyes. The patient fluttered his eyes, and Jen reassured him he was safe and that she would be by his side. While watching Jen walk down the hall with the patient, we couldn't help but feel in awe of what we just experienced and witnessed. We spoke about how there should be a long red cape on Jens's shoulders to represent the superwoman she indeed was and is! The DAISY Award is given to RNs to recognize the exceptional care given to patients. With determination, kindness, vigilance, and wicked skills, Jen Pai is a genuine DAISY Award Honoree.