An ESRD patient well known and assigned to the Powell Team was noted to be having repeated admissions (almost weekly to the unit) due to missed dialysis sessions and complications as a result (shortness of breath and other signs of fluid overload), this would often lead to admissions from the ER to ICU then to 10A for management. The nursing staff realized the trend of missed dialysis sessions, despite all the social structures that were in place the facilitate it, such as wheelchair-accessible rides and pick up post-dialysis. Our team decided to do some investigating and discovered that he was purposefully missing his sessions, giving varied reasons despite medical staff explaining its necessity and the consequences of missing it. He admitted he did this so he could be taken to UTMB and 10A to have dialysis done because the HD center is 'very cold and I have to stay four hours shivering' and it was much more comfortable here. In an effort to help him improve compliance, reduce his chances for a poor outcome and make it less likely that he would skip dialysis, for this reason, a group of nurses led by Dionne and Kelly teamed up, to purchase him a large cozy blanket for dialysis sessions, while another, artfully personalized it for him by crocheting his name onto to blanket, so he would keep warm during his sessions by helping him also to feel close to his favorite nursing team.
Recently, a family from out of state for a cruise had an emergency admission to hospital for a member of their family with a sudden catastrophic stroke. Because of the nature of the situation, the four family members present desired to remain as constant emotional support by the bedside of the patient who was not expected to recover from the brain insult. Two of the family members were noted to be sleeping on the floor in a corner the first couple of nights. Moved by compassion and understanding the needs of the family and patient, a group of nurses led by Karen, decided to team up to purchase a couple of sleeping bags for the two who had no suitable place to lay their heads. The family was very tearful and grateful for the gesture of kindness.
Our 10A team has become so unified over the years as a solid and efficient group of nurses. They have almost seamlessly operated with such kindness and compassion, without even noticing just how significant their individual and collective acts, have impacted patients and each other over the years.
As I reflect on the UTMB values, I realize that even without these UTMB stated values at the forefront of their thoughts, that they have such levels of professionalism, morality, and just shear humanity.. naturally, that they just continue to extend above and beyond without even anticipating acknowledgment or gratitude, it is just what they do! Amid the many challenges that they face daily, one key motivating factor stated as to why several have said they choose not to leave this unit (hence the relatively low turnover rate of 10A, is.... 'My colleagues!'