...I had to provide conscious sedation to a patient at 0800. This time is not conducive for a day nurse to assess and pass medications as well as develop a plan of care for the patient. Unfortunately this was the only time that the teams were able to arrange and I needed to be there. This procedure requires monitoring every 5 minutes and administering high risk medications. The RN must stay with the patient until they return to baseline. While the time becomes a little more relaxed, this procedure consumes much of the nurses time. I was worried the day prior, as to how I was going to work the morning with the requirements of this particular patient as well as my other three.

So, this morning I was in the room with the procedure at 0745, I had not seen my other patients except for bedside shift report. I was in the procedure for approximately 1.5 hours. During this time, I had told my co-workers I would be indisposed and asked if they could they cover for me.

After the procedure was over and I was cleaning up the room and settling the patient, while still monitoring every 5 minutes, Stacy came into the room and asked if I needed any help. I was relieved to see her. She then told me that she had passed all of my morning medications and rounded on them, and took care of the finger sticks and insulin. I was completely caught up and knew that my patients had gotten attention and were not left by the wayside. I nearly started to cry.

All I could think about during the procedure was how much I had to do and how behind I was. It came with such a relief that this was done and my patients were all good!!! I had never imagined someone doing all this for me and I am forever grateful. My day went so smooth after that gesture of kindness. Stacy's actions show the leadership and teamwork she displays each day at work. She is a gem to work with and I am thrilled that she is on my floor!