I want to recognize Tina MacDougall for the outstanding care and compassion she recently showed to her patient and his wife. As one of Tina's leaders, I have seen Tina display this type of character to all of her patients, but on this particular evening, she went completely above and beyond the call of duty, which greatly benefitted the patient and his wife's perception of our healthcare facility.
Tina was assigned a direct admit patient from Cleveland Clinic Weston. The patient was admitted with esophageal cancer and was transferring to be closer to home. After receiving report from the RN from Cleveland Clinic Weston, Tina immediately realized this patient was in critical condition and was able to assess the needs of the patient promptly before the patient arrived to the floor. The admitting provider was updated and thoroughly informed of the patient's condition and needs prior to the patient even getting to the hospital. The patient arrived at 1758 by transport, and Tina arranged for the doctor to be at the bedside upon the patient's arrival to the floor. The patient's care was expedited only due to the assistance from Tina at the bedside, and by her obtaining records from the previous location to present to the physician.
Shortly after the patient arrived, the wife arrived from Weston via her own vehicle. The wife arrived visibly and understandably concerned with her husband's care and condition. Tina not only was a preceptor that day, she had a patient that she needed to discharge, two other patients she was responsible for as well, and also needed to give report to the oncoming nurse. Miraculously, with all of that on her plate, she remained calm, caring and compassionate, providing the new patient and his wife all the care and communication they needed. Tina's communication was invaluable to the patient and his wife's peace of mind. Tina's ability to foresee the patient's needs allowed the consulted specialty physicians to arrive to the bedside to assess the patient and to speak to the wife in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Fortunately, Tina's diligence and expertise enabled the patient to be safely transferred to a higher acuity of care within 30 minutes of arriving to the floor.
Tina's selflessness and concern for her patient and fellow caregivers did not stop there. She proceeded to obtain lab work, medications, and vital signs, and to admit the patient properly while he remained stable on the floor prior to this transfer to the ICU. As she remained at the bedside providing care to the patient, she also continued to communicate with the patient's wife. For the first time in a long time, the wife had all of her questions and concerns answered. Tina remained at the bedside until 2115, more than 2 hours after her shift was over until the patient was safely transferred to the ICU. The patient was settled, stabilized and a thorough report was provided to the intensive care team, which was essential for the patient's wellbeing moving forward.
Tina was able to accomplish on her own what normally takes an entire team to accomplish. The wife was so comfortable with the care her husband was receiving, that she was able to leave his bedside for the first time to get a good night's rest because she knew and understood who and exactly what type of care her husband was receiving.
Tina is one of the most outstanding nurses I have ever had the pleasure to work with; her understanding of policy, procedures and nursing care, combined with her compassion, selflessness, and ability to provide peace of mind, makes her one of the most valued and exceptional caregivers we have at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health. She is a true DAISY Nurse.