Sylvia Richardson called a patient in the Resident Acute clinic to obtain vital signs prior to seeing the doctor. Upon seeing the patient, Sylvia immediately recognized that this pediatric patient (who presented in a wheelchair) was in severe respiratory distress. Foregoing vital signs, she immediately took the patient to an observation room and summoned physician assistance for the patient so that the patient could be immediately hooked up to oxygen. The patient was a known asthmatic; very tachypneic with a respiratory rate in high 40's and oxygen saturations of 86% on room air. A physician was immediately at the bedside to assess and after several Albuterol treatments, this patient had to be transported to Children's Hospital of San Antonio and admitted emergently to their PICU. If not for the superior nursing assessment and skills that Sylvia displayed that day, this child's medical course might not have progressed as well to ensure that she got the level of medical attention and services that she desperately required.
Sylvia, your nursing skills and the assessment of a pediatric patient in the clinic are a prime example of superior and compassionate customer service. You went above and beyond to ensure this very sick patient was immediately brought to the attention of providers to ensure that she received the medical attention she needed. You handled the whole situation calmly and efficiently. I truly thank you for the excellent job you did that day yet you remained empathetic and comforting to the patient and family. You definitely raised the bar!