Brittani Fontan
February 2024
Brittani
Fontan
,
BSN, RN
Pediatric Emergency Department
Endeavor Health Edward Hospital
Naperville
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

The patient was then formally diagnosed with cancer, and treatment was started immediately. He is now on his journey to recovery. Brittani had the courage to speak up and advocate on behalf of this patient.
A patient presented to our Pediatric ED with viral symptoms. The vital signs and all testing was normal. The patient was diagnosed with "walking pneumonia," and the discharge home order with close follow-up with his pediatrician was received. Brittani was not assigned to this patient, but she printed the patient's discharge instructions and went into the room to review the discharge plan of care with the mother and child. While Brittani was in the room, she noticed this patient appeared pale and slightly jaundiced. Immediately after discharging the patient, she found the physician and discussed her assessment of this patient with him. The physician then requested the patient to return for further testing. The new lab results indicated this patient had a new-onset cancer. The patient was later transferred to another hospital for further management and care. Brittani used her astute assessment skills, spoke up, and collaborated with our Pediatric ED physician. The patient was then formally diagnosed with cancer, and treatment was started immediately. He is now on his journey to recovery. Brittani had the courage to speak up and advocate on behalf of this patient. Brittani is an extraordinary pediatric nurse who deeply touches the lives of our pediatric patients through her expertise, kindness, and incredible willingness to go above and beyond every day.