Joe was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago after sustaining...

Question Answered step-by-step Joe was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago after sustaining… Joe was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago after sustaining multiple injuries in a MVA. His major injuries were a fractured pelvis, multiple rib fractures, and an open femur fracture. His treatment program included analgesics for pain, activity as his condition permits and use of anti emboletic stockings. While friends and family were visiting, Joe suddenly called his nurse to the room. He complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse suspected that Joe had a pulmonary embolism (PE) and immediately notified the physician. Arterial blood gases were drawn and a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan was done. Further interventions were immediately taken according to protocol and joe was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for closer monitoring.The CT scan confirmed that Joe had a PE. The nurse’s early recognition of the symptoms of PE contributed to the earliest possible intervention and could well have saved the patient’s life. The nurse had never before experienced this healthcare situation, as she had only been in practice for 9 months. She kept the family informed of the symptom’s and agreed to work a double shift because the ICU was sort of staff for the night shift.On the ICU, the charge nurse assigned Joe’s care to the nurse who cared for him on the acute orthopedic surgical unit. Joe had a quiet night and responded well to intravenous heparin therapy. When he woke the next morning, the day was calm and quiet, and the nurse and Joe were able to spend quality time together. Joe thanked his nurse by saying “I am grateful that you were my nurse yesterday. I didn’t know what was going on you saved my life! I can’t thank you enough.” This was a moment that both the nurse and patient will always cherish.Questions:What leadership traits did the staff nurse display?Why is this staff nurse regarded as a leader, despite the fact that she does not hold an executive position within the organization?Why are leadership characteristics in staff important at all levels of a healthcare organization? Health Science Science Nursing Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)