Although I work in the Neonatal ICU and thus rarely have the opportunity to directly work with Andrea in PICU, she always inspires me. Her sweet smile and eyebrow-raising gestures are a welcome sight as she "kindly" articulates what others may verbalize as a difficult family, patient, or case. She has the ability to see the "positive" in the negative or in circumstances that seem daunting.
As one of the nurse leaders for the NICU, I comprehend the value of "huddle" and communicating with all departments in Women & Children's and thus was pleased that Andrea came to work at LRHMC. She is so enthusiastically positive.
Yesterday a newly diagnosed 2-year old with peanut allergies arrived at the PICU. Andrea was not assigned to the patient, but as a team member comprehended the urgency in having the mother understand the disease process and more importantly how to administer the "lifesaving drug Epinephrine with an auto-injector".
After contacting various departments, including pharmacy, she realized our hospital did not have a "demo auto-injector". Having children with allergies who need an auto-injector she and I both viscerally understood how the mother of the newly diagnosed child felt.
She contacted her primary pediatrician and asked to borrow his "demo auto-injector". Thinking outside the box was one of her actions, comprehending the fear this mother must be feeling as she witnessed the horror of almost losing her child due to severe allergies was her impetus to action and why I see her as a DAISY Nurse.
Respect for the value of life is something all nurses experience; seeking all alternatives to assist people in comprehending their disease process to promote wellness is Andrea's badge of honor.