PJ Graham
December 2014
PJ (Phyllis)
Graham
,
BSN, RN
Cardiology Clinic
University of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque
,
NM
United States

 

 

 

...I want to acknowledge an extraordinary effort by PJ Graham for one of my very frail clinic patients. This patient has a very marginal health status from severe heart and lung disease, and presented to triate with O2 sats between 79-83%. He was appropriately placed on supplemental O2, but did not want (and refused) to be evaluated in the ED or be admitted (because of personal responsibilities). PJ spent the rest of the afternoon with the help of patient care services arranging for this gentleman to have home O2. PJ worked above and beyond that afternoon arranging for restarting power to his apartment so a concentrator could be used rather than constantly shuffling in tanks, O2 regulators, etc. Submitted by a Medical Provider

...

Patient came in for a routine follow-up visit for heart failure and was found to be very short of breath with a low O2 sat. PJ in collaboration with Dr. V consulted with the clinic social worker to arrange for home O2. In assessing the patient's situation, PJ found that the patient did not have electricity in his apartment, and relied on the city bus for transportation. The Patient spent 5 hours in the clinic waiting for O2 to be arranged.

PJ made several calls to the social worker to relay information and to check on the status of the O2 delivery. PJ checked in on the patient several times to assess his breathing and O2 sats. He had not had anything to eat since early in the a.m.; she ordered him a food tray. PJ consulted the social worker about obtaining a taxi voucher, so that the patient did not have to travel on the bus for several hours with a portable O2 tank. The patient was very grateful, as it was after 5 p.m. when the O2 was delivered to the clinic.

PJ worked with the social worker to obtain information from PNM and obtain a form for the patient to fill out to have his electricity turned on, so that a more efficient O2 concentrator could be set up in the patient's home. Due to the patient's transportation issues, PJ dropped off the form at PNM for the Patient. Submitted by RN Supervisor

...

I just want to take just a moment to let you know what an amazing Nurse you have in PJ.

I have had the pleasure of working with PJ many times over my 8 years as a 5ACC Case worker. She has always been so compassionate, & a patient advocate above and beyond what is required.

Recently we worked together to assist a Cardiology patient, without electricity and with an incorrect address, to obtain home O2. She was the ultimate team player, doing everything she could and more without hesitation. PJ was quick to see the "big picture" in this situation (as usual) and was proactive in resolving it (as usual). She made sure the patient's address was updated so his script for O2 was accurate, his insurance was intact to pay for it and was the key in making sure this patient had electricity turned on to use it!

This is only one example of PJ's outstanding contributions to the Cardiology Clinic . . . There are many others. What an amazing Nurse we all have in PJ. Submitted by a co-worker