One nurse’s quick action saves two lives
Knowing seconds can mean survival, early action to alert the obstetrics, nursing, and anesthesia teams about a patient saved two lives when an emergency arose.
A patient’s visit to labor and delivery for an unexpected complication quickly became a day that Ashley Patterson, BSN, RN, staff nurse, will never forget.
At just 28 weeks pregnant, the patient presented with complications from a placenta previa and accreta. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta is covering part or all of the cervix completely; placenta accreta is a life-threatening condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. Patterson immediately began assessing and monitoring the patient closely, knowing these conditions could lead to a catastrophic hemorrhage and hysterectomy.
“I had this gut feeling that I was going to be with her and her spouse as they met their sweet baby that day,” Patterson says.
During her assessment of the patient, she formed a bond with the patient and their spouse. Patterson’s priority was to ensure the family felt safe, informed, comforted, and as in control as possible during this uncertain time. She wanted them to feel that no matter what happened, she would do her best to care for them.
Intuition takes over
Patterson acted early, alerting the obstetrics, nursing, and anesthesia teams about her patient, so everyone was aware and ready to act quickly.
That early instinct proved pivotal.
Shortly after an MRI to determine the extent of the accreta, the patient began hemorrhaging. Patterson was in the room and through calm composure and swift action, she notified the teams and got everyone prepped for a cesarean delivery.
“The biggest thing I wanted for them was, even during this crazy time, to feel the calmness and security in the room,” Patterson says.
In situations like this, seconds can mean survival. Patterson knew that a hemorrhaging patient could go from being stable to unstable quickly, and unfortunately that was the case with her patient.
Patterson was honored with a DAISY Award® for the expertise and leadership she exhibited that day.
Lifelong bond
“I am alive thanks to all the staff involved, but it was Ashley's strong nursing knowledge, experience, and swift movement that I didn’t even need a blood transfusion as most people do with the blood loss,” wrote the patient in their nomination letter. “She saved the lives of my [child] and me which made a huge impact on all of us.”
After the delivery and subsequent necessary hysterectomy, Patterson’s shift ended, but her care and support for the family didn’t.
Patterson stayed to hold the patient’s hand as they prepped for the operating room, and then once the patient was sedated, Patterson ensured the patient’s spouse and newborn were comforted.
“I feel it’s a privilege to go through this with families. I have three boys of my own, so I know what it’s like to be on the other end. It leaves a lasting impression,” Patterson says.
The bond formed that day continued throughout the family’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. In fact, they remain in contact today.
And, though it was a coincidence, the patient feels like Patterson and her child have a lifelong connection through their first names.
Patterson’s story is a testament to the power of experience, compassion, and preparedness. For nearly two decades, she has dedicated herself to labor and delivery nursing, bringing calmness and hope to the most critical moments.
