Susan Pelz
November 2018
Susan
Pelz
,
BSN, RN
3C Rehab Unit
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
North Little Rock
,
AR
United States

 

 

 

Susan exhibits ICARE Values in her daily role as the Assistant Nurse Manager of MICU/CCU. Susan is recently retired Air Force Veteran who is committed to the VA's Mission. Susan rounds daily, often taking a moment to sit and talk with the Veterans and families. Susan encountered an upset family member while rounding in the 1F waiting area. Susan sat down to talk with the family member who was the daughter of an unstable ventilated patient in the ICU on isolation precautions. The daughter had frequent seizures and could not travel long distances without a service dog. The service dog could not go into the patient's room with the owner. Susan gave feedback regarding ICU's rule of service dogs and isolation precautions. Susan offered to sit with the dog while the daughter visited her father. Susan made arrangements to come in early and sit with the dog for several days. She also followed up during the shift and offered to sit with the dog while the daughter met with the MICU physicians. The patient improved and was extubated, eventually moving to a lower level of care. The daughter was very appreciative of the kindness and generosity displayed by Susan during a difficult time when no other support system was available.