I am a Neo/Peds Transport/AirCare nurse and complete daily rounds in the UISFCH. Karreen Kephart was assigned an infant with a cardiac defect in the PICU. During my morning rounds, Karreen voiced concern about the patient as he kept having desatting episodes. During my late morning/early afternoon round, I stopped by to see how this patient and Karreen were doing. She continued to voice concern and had discussed obtaining additional peripheral access with the PICU providers since they started a new drip which wouldn't be compatible with emergency/code meds.
However, there was another patient on the unit who was very sick and likely going to be put on ECMO. The PICU providers seemed overwhelmed with this other patient. Karreen spoke up for her patient and continually voiced concern for additional access and severity of her patient's condition. Soon after the other patient was put on ECMO, Karreen's patient decompensated and was also put on ECMO. This was right before shift change. Since I work 24-hour shifts, I also complete night rounds. At 10:30 pm, Karreen was still in the PICU. However, she wasn't taking care of the patient. She was sitting in another room with the patient's parents. She went beyond her job as a bedside nurse and stayed for hours after her shift was over, to provide true patient and family-centered care. Although she is always an amazing nurse, her true, genuine character and skills undoubtedly shined and set her apart from all of the other amazing nurses at UIHC. I was truly impressed with her poise, persistence, and compassion throughout the entire day and night. UIHC is lucky to have such an amazing nurse who goes above and beyond not only for her patients, but their families as well!