Anna Theis
November 2025
Anna
Theis
,
BSN, RN
LCI Morehead GU
Levine Cancer Institute
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
Anna’s clinical acumen, persistence, and compassion made all the difference. She saw the whole patient, not just the labs. She anticipated complications, communicated clearly, and acted swiftly.
Anna exemplifies the highest standards of nursing through her quick thinking, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Her actions directly contributed to saving a patient—referred to here as Patient X—from permanent kidney damage and potentially life-threatening sepsis.
Patient X had a complex history of bilateral ureteral obstructions and declining renal function. Over several months, Anna remained vigilant, tracking lab results, coordinating care, and advocating for timely interventions. When Patient X’s creatinine levels spiked dramatically from 2.57 to 4.75, Anna recognized the urgency—even though her physician was in surgery and she herself was off the clock. She stayed late to ensure the situation was addressed, ultimately arranging for emergency surgery the very next morning. Anna’s attention to detail was critical.
She knew the patient was on a GLP-1 medication and needed to be on a clear liquid diet to safely undergo surgery. She called Patient X just in time—before she took her medication—and carefully explained the situation, ensuring she followed the necessary pre-op instructions. Anna even coordinated with the OR scheduler and the physician, rearranging clinic appointments and advocating for the patient’s needs without disrupting care for others.
Her efforts didn’t stop there. Anna continued to monitor Patient X’s labs, coordinated follow-up appointments, and responded immediately when another spike in creatinine occurred. She facilitated urgent imaging and ED admission, which led to the placement of a nephrostomy tube—another critical step in preserving the patient’s renal function. Anna’s clinical acumen, persistence, and compassion made all the difference. She saw the whole patient, not just the labs. She anticipated complications, communicated clearly, and acted swiftly.
Her advocacy and attention to detail prevented a devastating outcome and exemplify what it means to be an extraordinary nurse. Anna didn’t just provide care—she provided hope, safety, and a future for this patient.
Patient X had a complex history of bilateral ureteral obstructions and declining renal function. Over several months, Anna remained vigilant, tracking lab results, coordinating care, and advocating for timely interventions. When Patient X’s creatinine levels spiked dramatically from 2.57 to 4.75, Anna recognized the urgency—even though her physician was in surgery and she herself was off the clock. She stayed late to ensure the situation was addressed, ultimately arranging for emergency surgery the very next morning. Anna’s attention to detail was critical.
She knew the patient was on a GLP-1 medication and needed to be on a clear liquid diet to safely undergo surgery. She called Patient X just in time—before she took her medication—and carefully explained the situation, ensuring she followed the necessary pre-op instructions. Anna even coordinated with the OR scheduler and the physician, rearranging clinic appointments and advocating for the patient’s needs without disrupting care for others.
Her efforts didn’t stop there. Anna continued to monitor Patient X’s labs, coordinated follow-up appointments, and responded immediately when another spike in creatinine occurred. She facilitated urgent imaging and ED admission, which led to the placement of a nephrostomy tube—another critical step in preserving the patient’s renal function. Anna’s clinical acumen, persistence, and compassion made all the difference. She saw the whole patient, not just the labs. She anticipated complications, communicated clearly, and acted swiftly.
Her advocacy and attention to detail prevented a devastating outcome and exemplify what it means to be an extraordinary nurse. Anna didn’t just provide care—she provided hope, safety, and a future for this patient.