I'm writing to commend Mandey Zuniga, RN, for the work she did with PICU patient, D. Ethics started working with this patient when she was in the NICU and followed her when she transitioned to the PICU. Mandey was a strong advocate for D and represented what I think we would like to see nurses do for patients always - to take action compassionately and steadfastly that advances the health and wellbeing of their patients, to assure patients that although they might be vulnerable that they are never alone.
Magnet recognition addresses the need for empowered, competent, dedicated, exemplary nurses. Mandey's nursing care embodies all of these attributes. She's the type of nurse who makes you think, "If I'm a patient, I want a nurse like that." Mandey went the extra mile to speak up when she believed that her patient's interests might not be fully represented. She expressed appropriate concern about patient pain and suffering and actively worked to make sure that the care provided to this patient was provided with optimized pain management. Mandey did this in the context of a very complex patient care situation. Mandy could not have known for sure how her actions would be received, but this did not deter her from acting in the best interests of her patient.
This patient died shortly after Ethics met with the clinical care team and the patient's mother, and when I read the EPIC note, which stated, "Time of death called at 1757. Mandey picked up the patient to hold her until the mother arrived" it was the embodiment of the generosity, professionalism, and caring that nursing stands for. I'm proud to have colleagues like Mandey who inspire us all.