Terra Jordan, BSN, exemplified compassionate nursing and "patient advocacy" while taking care of a patient in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Terra had been taking care of patient who was critically ill requiring ventilatory support to assist with their breathing. After a time period, the medical team approached the family to have a tracheostomy performed for longer term benefits of respiratory support.

Terra while taking care of the patient during the night shift, observed the patient was becoming more alert and showing signs of steady improvement. With her patient scheduled to have the procedure done, Terra approached the medical team to delay the procedure and challenge the patient on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to challenge the patient to be "weaned" off the ventilator. The day in which the patient was scheduled for the procedure, the OR was experiencing delays which gave Terra the opportunity to visit further with the medical team.

Because of Terra's intuition, attention to detail and compassionate care, the patient's surgery was canceled and the patient was able to be successfully removed from the ventilator and verbally communicate for the first time in 26 days. Terra's patient advocacy and dedication, assisted to deter a surgical procedure and longer medical stay for this patient.

This is an outstanding example of how "Service is Our Passion" is exemplified by our December DAISY Award Honoree, Terra Jordan, BSN. Congratulations!