The other day, we had a patient admitted to ICU with a new CVA. The patient spoke Spanish, but because of his CVA, his language skills were affected. Even with the use of a translator, he was not able to communicate basic wants and needs. As with all new CVAs, the therapy team was consulted, including speech.

The patient was evaluated by the speech pathologist at bedside and recommendations were made for an instrumental assessment. The results of the assessment included no pharyngeal deficits, and the patient was cleared for a regular diet and thin liquid.

A few days later, Erika’s assignment included this patient. She observed him having difficulty with his meals and asked the SLP to reevaluate his swallow. The patient was changed to a soft diet but no coughing or choking (signs of aspiration) was observed with the trials given.

Erika continued to observe this patient while he was eating and felt that he was not safe. She found the SLP on the floor and expressed her concerns. The SLP explained that the patient had an instrumental assessment, was being followed by speech, and hasn’t had a change in status since the initial instrumental assessment was provided. Erika continued to express her concerns and the SLP provided another instrumental assessment. The patient was found to aspirate thin and mildly thick liquids and needed a significantly modified diet.

This is a perfect example of the excellent care that Erika provides for her patients. She is detail-oriented and closely monitors her patients. She quickly voices her concerns when she observes deficits or changes with her patients. She continuously provides compassionate and extraordinary care.