A recent ICU admission was found to be actively and profusely bleeding, requiring an emergent EGD. In true ICU fashion, the entire team mobilized rapidly, working in sync with a singular focus on saving the patient’s life. Over the course of the event, the patient experienced a massive blood loss, requiring extensive resuscitation including 18 units of blood, 4 units of FFP, 2 units of Cryo-precipitate, and 2 units of platelets. What set this situation apart was the continuous need for management of the rapid infuser. Throughout the resuscitation efforts, it was our ICU Educator who stepped into this critical role, remaining at the patient bedside for over 5 hrs., expertly managing the rapid infuser without pause. Her clinical skill ensured the safe and effective delivery of life-saving products during an incredibly high-risk situation

Beyond her technical expertise, she served as a steady and encouraging presence for the entire ICU team. She provided real-time guidance, anticipated next steps, and advocated for the patient. Her ability to lead, teach, and support simultaneously exemplifies the very essence of nursing excellence.

Beyond these actions this past year, apart from developing our Transitional cohorts, she is also an integral member of our Policy and Procedure committee and has spearheaded our education for several new critical care competencies, including most recently the Intraosseous course and competency, and pericardial drain competency.

Designed and completed comprehensive education modules for our nurses in Hemodynamics, CABG management, Pacemaker, Impella IABP, end of life care and is now working on ensuring our critical care staff are trained on the level 1 rapid infuser should this be needed again, while also finding the time to complete the Critical care newsletter, ensuring the much- anticipated Critical care quizzes are fresh and new every publication.