Sue Barb has been a true patient advocate, agent of change, and facilitator of knowledge during this exceedingly challenging time. Sue has demonstrated exemplary nursing practice and incredible bravery since the arrival of the pandemic. From the time COVID-19 became a widespread concern for the community and health care organizations in New Jersey, Sue has made herself available to help anyone in need. She was one of two volunteers who offered to train immediately for the specific SWAT precautions required to see COVID-19 positive patients, as well as patients under investigation. Since the day of her training in March, Sue has been visiting COVID-19 patients habitually, working on days off, and traveling to the farthest points of the county to assist the team and provide much-needed services to patients in need. She has taken the time to collaborate with teammates for safety and has expertly triaged her cases daily based on the appropriate level of precautions. Sue has been a marvelous advocate for these most vulnerable patients, communicating important details to management timely and documenting meticulously so these patients may achieve clearance for interdisciplinary care at the soonest possible time. She has been a lovely, positive, compassionate representative of the VNA Health Group in the community during this pandemic. She has also practiced patience and respect for teammates who are working toward achieving the full SWAT experience, by taking the time to review guidelines with them separately and providing encouragement regarding the efficacy of the process. Teammates have mentioned on several occasions how reassured they felt after working directly with Sue and witnessing her well-organized methods.
Because Sue is so humble, I feel it is my duty to share with VNAHG some details about the wonderful work she has done recently.
In early April, branch C64 received a referral for patient M.D., a woman who was considered a 'patient under investigation' due to upper respiratory symptoms following exposure to her spouse, who remained in the hospital with confirmed COVID-19. Sue and her fellow SWAT nurse/ teammate visited this patient for a joint SOC on a Friday and noted her condition to be quite fragile. She was on new oxygen at home and living alone, receiving no visitors because her daughter has MS and was advised to socially distance herself from her parents. Sue contacted the physician and obtained orders to increase the patient's oxygen flow rate. She instructed the patient in signs and symptoms warranting the need for emergent care, as well as measures to maintain comfort and conserve energy. She and her teammate both volunteered to work again Saturday in order to check on this patient the next day because the patient was anxious and afraid. Her condition continued to be delicate, and after another team visit on Monday, the patient was hospitalized. Indeed, there was no other way at that point; the patient was confirmed to have COVID-19 in the hospital and as of this date she still remains in rehab. During the time the patient was hospitalized, her spouse came home. In early May, Mr. F.D. was opened to VNAHG services, and the patient's daughter called immediately to request Sue as the case manager, as she had done so much for her mother and she felt Sue truly had saved her life. She reiterated that she herself has MS, and is unable to assist her parents during this very difficult time, so she could not say enough about the gratitude she feels toward VNAHG nurses- especially Sue, who had so thoroughly cared for her mom. Mr. F.D. is doing well and was just cleared from COVID-19 precautions. Interdisciplinary visits were initiated promptly following clearance; he is now well on his way toward recovery, and looking forward to his wife coming home soon. This is just one example of the excellent work that Sue has been doing throughout the pandemic. She embodies the true spirit of a team player and the essence of best practices during this challenging time. I am so very proud and grateful to work with such an admirable, selfless, and inspiring RN!