Rita Wetherell
May 2018
Rita
Wetherell
,
RN
Progressive Care Unit
Beaumont Hospital - Trenton
Trenton
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

Recently, a discharged patient had approached the nurses' station stating that she didn't feel comfortable about her discharge and wanted to speak to the charge nurse. Rita, the unit shift lead, approached her swiftly asking how she could help. The patient explained she felt she was discharged too soon and didn't have all of the answers she needed. She also pointed out the new onset leg swelling as well as the feeling of something not being right. After reprinting her discharge paperwork to thoroughly go over it and hearing the concern in the patient's tone, Rita decided to page the physician in hopes he could comfort the patient and give her some additional insight. The doctor called back to speak to the patient personally and in the process scheduled the patient for an outpatient stress test the following day. After alleviating some of the discharged patient's anxiety, the patient left and Rita continued to care for her patients. The next day, the doctor notified Rita that the patient had a positive stress test and it resulted in an emergent bypass. This is not an isolated situation where Rita stands as an exemplary patient advocate. She continues to do this on a daily basis regardless of the recognition. I am proud to say that Rita was my preceptor and I continue to learn from her.