Story 1 by Charge Nurse:
I want to recognize Danica, a newer nurse on our ICU Unit. Danica completed ICU orientation, and since being "on her own," she has exemplified what it means to be a nurse and a team player. I have multiple examples I would like to share.

The first would be on the night I was charge RN, and Danica had a Telemetry hold patient who had a fresh trach placed in the last 24 hours. Danica noticed that the patient's blood pressure was lower (but not alarming), heart rate was lower than it had been, and the patient appeared more lethargic. Although the patient did not have any grossly abnormal hemodynamics, she still did an immediate reassessment and noticed the patient's pupils were unequal and got the charge nurse (me) involved.

Danica was able to coordinate imaging studies, lab work, and medications for this patient and acted BEFORE the patient started to decline further. Danica did not look at just one value of the patient, but the entire picture and was able to intervene, which prevented the patient from being upgraded back to the ICU. Afterwards, Danica asked if I wouldn't mind reviewing with her areas of improvement and things she did well. As a new nurse, it is very easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated, but I really appreciate that she is always finding new learning opportunities, opportunities for growth, and genuinely cares about the quality of care she is providing to her patients and doing the very best she can for them.

Another example was a night two weeks ago when I had a very unstable and critical patient and was also getting an admission. Danica's patients were stable, and she asked if I needed any help. I told her I would need to give my patient a bed bath after my admission came if she wouldn't mind helping me with it, since the patient required a 2-person assist. After I settled my admission, when I checked on my other patient, I found that Danica had already found a CNA to assist her and had completed my patient's bed bath for me. This small act allowed me to complete my charting and other tasks without having to stay late that shift. It was a small but incredibly helpful act of kindness.

I've noticed that on any shift I work with Danica, if she isn't busy, she is always checking on her coworkers and offering a helping hand. Danica is a coworker I know I can count on, and she is always polite and full of kindness. I know it can be tough as a new graduate nurse, especially in a high acuity setting like the ICU; thus, I think it's important to recognize her and let her know how much she is appreciated, and her drive and advocacy for the best patient care have not gone unnoticed.

Story 2 by Family/Visitor:
All [Multiple Nurses Nominated in One Story, including Danica Dianzon], the ICU nurses gave my loved one such special loving care. They were there to answer all our questions and accommodate all our requests. Their gentle touches and close monitoring, while being so patient with the family, helped us tremendously to get through this difficult time.