May 2011
Lorna
Andrews
,
RN, MBA
Nursing Administration
Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, UW Medicine
Seattle
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Lorna was asked to support a family, known to her daughter, whose father had recently been admitted following a TIA. Prior to this admission, this gentle, compassionate 89 year old man lived at home with the care and support of his loving family. At admission, it was apparent that this patient was intermittently combative and confused. Lorna met with the family and spoke with the patient. The patient got out of bed and proceeded into the hallway followed closely by Lorna and his son. All of a sudden, the patient became agitated and combative and started to enter the patient room next to his own. Seeing that the patient had started to escalate, before he could approach another patient causing potential harm, Lorna stepped between the two patients. In the course of this action, the patient struck her on the side of the head prompting a Code Gray response. Lorna's quick actions prevented potential harm to another patient, however, she sustained harm herself. For this action, I believe Lorna should be recognized for her care, compassion and quick thinking for patient safety and years of promoting quality care.