Trisha arrived in the patient's room within moments of staff calling for Stroke Alert. She was very respectful and nice when she arrived, assessing the situation and assisting me through this process. We contacted primary care as well as neurology. We took the patient down to CT scan and during the CT scan the patient was very distressed and unable to hold still, Trisha put on the appropriate gear and stayed in the CT room with the patient, providing comfort for the patient and helping the patient through the CT scan process so that adequate images were obtained. After this we took the patient back to the floor. Trisha stayed at her bedside assessing the patient and doing the stroke scale. The patient was doing better, more responsive and able to move so Trisha was going to go back to her floor to take care of her patients.
Just as Trisha tried to leave the unit the patient developed stroke like symptoms again and I asked her to reassess the patient again. She came right into the room without complaint and got primary and neurology back up to the room to reassess also. Trisha also answered all the questions I had about stroke and taking care of a stroke patient. Trisha she has her own work load on another floor so to come and help out with this patient was truly selfless and kind on her part. I feel that she went above and beyond to help me with this patient.
I did not feel comfortable taking care of a stroke patient (I'm a cardiac nurse) and because of Trisha, I feel that this patient got the care, skill and attention required for early stroke intervention. She deserves recognition for her help with this patient. She staying with us for over two hours during this ordeal and was truly wonderful, even though she has her own patient load. This kind of sacrifice of time is truly appreciated. Thank you!