This nurse was taking care of a patient post-op when all of a sudden, the patient's mother collapsed. This nurse is relatively new to the CICU but has been an ER nurse for years, so he began to code the patient's mother. Others arrived shortly thereafter, confused about the code being called when the patient's monitor looked fine, but quickly helped this nurse perform high-quality CPR after this woman underwent what turned out to be a V-Fib arrest from a carotid dissection. This nurse used his ER skills when he suggested other medications that we don't usually use in CICU codes (like Narcan), inserted an IO line (something we don't do much in CICU), and figured out that the woman was going to need more electricity than our usual Zoll pads provided. His quick action, clever thinking, and dedication to better were shown when he made a huge difference in the life of a child by saving her mother's life.

***

I want to nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award in recognition of his extraordinary care, leadership, and compassion during an incredibly challenging situation. The unit received a phone call from a concerned patient's grandmother who had been on the phone with the patient's mother and abruptly the mom stopped talking. The grandmother was alarmed by her daughter's lack of response and wanted someone to check in on her. The unit secretary promptly informed this nurse, who was the bedside nurse. When this nurse ran into the room to check in on the mother and saw that she was unresponsive, he initiated the code. At this time, this nurse demonstrated a level of leadership and poise that was nothing short of remarkable. He was an emergency department nurse before he started to work in the CICU, and his expertise proved invaluable during this code situation. He was instrumental in leading the team and helping run resuscitation efforts in the room. This nurse made sure to help keep the environment as calm as possible and used his skills from the ED to help guide the team through the ACLS algorithm, while also assisting with the placement of an IO for medication administration. This nurse made critical decisions with confidence and clarity. His ability to manage both the medical and emotional aspects of the crisis ensured the mother received the highest standard of care. From the moment the code was called to transferring the mom to the Emergency Department, this nurse was exceptionally calm and guided the team seamlessly under pressure. His expertise was evident as he coordinated each action with precision, constantly reassessing the situation and adapting quickly to the ever-changing demands of emergencies.

What truly stands out about this nurse is how he managed to integrate the clinical and emotional demands of this situation. He led the team with confidence, ensuring every action was deliberate and thoughtful, yet they never lost sight of the human element at the heart of the situation. For his outstanding leadership, clinical competence, and professionalism I believe this nurse deserves the DAISY Award. He displayed qualities that represent the best of nursing practice and what it means to be a nurse at Children's!