April 2021
Wendy
Overcash
,
RN
Emergency Department
UCHealth Greeley Hospital
Greeley
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

Wendy suddenly had an actual trauma patient and a trauma-triggered co-worker. She handled this situation with so much grace.
I am a nurse that works with Wendy. I was the Primary RN for a trauma patient that came in. She was there to help me stabilize/settle the patient. What we received in the EVS report was a “limited trauma” MVA VS. Semi, what was not mentioned was that this patient was an on-duty plainclothes officer. I lost my husband who was an officer, so this patient was triggering for me. Wendy suddenly had an actual trauma patient and a trauma-triggered co-worker. She handled this situation with so much grace. I managed to keep it together by stabilizing this patient and she never left my side.

He had a head injury and was perseverating, she calmly and kindly reoriented him every five minutes while continuing to make sure I was also doing ok. She continued to maintain patient safety and comfort while also being complete support for me. Ultimately, I had to excuse myself from the room before his wife was escorted back, and she took over as primary while I collected myself. This is an extreme example of taking care of patients and staff simultaneously.