Lisa Gann, TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center's chief nursing officer, shares the life-changing and rewarding moments that make her stop and realize why she went into healthcare:
"The first time I realized that second nature actions as a nurse can be viewed as life-saving or altering to a patient was while working as an ICU nurse. My patient had suffered an acute myocardial infarction and had gone for a heart catheter three days prior. While assessing lung sounds at the beginning of the shift, I heard some very fine crackles in his lung bases. I asked the patient how he was feeling, to which he stated, 'very well, no problems.' So, I asked about his breathing and energy level, to which he replied 'I am a little winded when I get up, but I'm sure that's normal.' I told the patient I heard a little fluid in his lungs and would notify the physician. I received an norder and gave the patient an IV diuretic. Within an hour, his output increased and his lungs cleared.
I received an norder and gave the patient an IV diuretic. Within an hour, his output increased and his lungs cleared.
After that episode, this patient told his doctor, and all visitors, that I had saved his life. He knew if I had not acted, his condition could have worsened. I saw him several times after discharge, both while he was at the hospital attending cardiac rehab and at community events. Every time I would see him, he would thank me for giving him extra years with his family.
All I did was what every nurse does. Assess the patient. Act when needed. That's what we do. That's not all how this patient viewed what happened. That even drove home to me: never underestimate the impact one person can have."
Learn more "Why I Care" stories from other HCA employees on the HCA Today Blog.