I want to recognize a very special co-worker, Liseth Arana. We recently had a COVID patient in ICU that we were having trouble getting extubated. The patient was unable to follow commands. Multiple attempts at ventilator weaning were made, and every day the patient failed. There was discussion of a trach and peg tube placement or possible comfort care. The physician was planning a meeting with the patient's family.
The morning I had this patient we were attempting weaning. Vitals were going crazy as they had all of the days before and the Doctor was ready to discontinue weaning again. I went out on a limb and asked for a few more minutes. I texted to ask if Liseth was working to which the reply was yes, I asked if she could come to the room with PPE on and assist with communication. She came right away.
Here is where the story gets good! Liseth spoke the patient's name and he looked her in the eye, he would not look at anybody else. She explained everything that was going on and that we were attempting to get him off of the ventilator. It was like magic. All of the vital signs stabilized, the patient was able to follow all commands, and he was extubated within 30 minutes. She stayed for the extubation to talk him through it. This was so amazing to watch. I couldn't thank her enough.
That evening she was able to come back to the ICU and speak to the patient again and answer any questions he had. She talked to him and reassured him. I just wanted to share and recognize how special Liseth is. She is one of the sweetest nurses. With everything going on these days, she was a ray of sunshine in the ICU. Thank you for all that you do Liseth!