March 2018
Rebecca
Gaus
,
RN
Powell 4 Stroke/Neuro
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Des Moines
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

Rebecca was my brother's nurse when he was admitted. He was hospitalized due to hiscomplex epilepsy and having several seizures in the emergency room. When I arrived, he wasexhibiting severe symptoms of toxicity from his seizure meds. After the physicians rounded,there was no change to his course of treatment. We discussed concerns over my brother'ssymptoms and that he wasn't close to being ready to be discharged. She took my concernsand asked the doctors to test medication levels which showed one of the medications wasat a toxic level. After identifying this, the doctors changed his medications back to previouslevels.The next day, he was doing much better. As we approached discharge, he unexpectedlyhad another decline. She held up the discharge while we again searched for answers. Aftermany hours, phone calls and much research on her part, she discovered a timing change to aseparate medication that resulted in a separate toxic episode.
Rebecca's compassion and concern for my brother made all the difference in alleviating hissuffering. Today, he was able to walk out of the hospital when two days ago he could barelywalk and talk due to the toxic effects. I'm very grateful to have had such a nurse take care ofmy brother during this very difficult time for him.