In and Out of the Patient Care Environment, Cleveland Clinic Nurses Shine

By Deborah C. Small, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, NE-BC

With the recent close of National Nurses Week 2016 in May, nurses at Cleveland Clinic were once again reminded of the many reasons why they became professional nurses. And most will agree – there is no better profession.

Throughout the month of May, Cleveland Clinic health system, Fairview Hospital included, celebrated, recognized and honored our more than 15,000 nurse caregivers for all they do each and every day. As our festivities are now closed, I’d like to recognize the following Fairview nurses for their recent heroic efforts and true showcasing of what it means to be a nurse.

Helping those in need anytime, anywhere

As nurses, our calling is to help others – no matter where we are or what we are doing. We often recognize our nursing colleagues for the exceptional care they provide patients and the achievements they earn in the professional work environment. However, as any nurse will tell you, the nursing cap we wear doesn’t simply come off when we leave our jobs each day.

We were born with an instinctive nature to care for others – at work, at home and in our communities. Recently, a number of nurses from Fairview Hospital were out in their local communities when each of them encountered a fellow community member in urgent need of help and immediately came to the aid of these individuals.

I’d like to briefly share their stories and thank each of them for reminding us all just how important what we do is – whether we are in or out of the workplace.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in church

Katherine Petrilla, a registered nurse in Fairview Hospital’s Birthing Center, was in her local church when she witnessed an elderly woman suddenly slump over in a pew. Seeing what happened, Petrilla immediately began tending to the woman, who had no pulse. She started CPR, called for the defibrillator and instructed someone to call 911.

Also in attendance at the same service was Greg Krzemien, who works in cardiovascular testing. Krzemien was able to help Petrilla with compressions until the AED was administered. When paramedics arrived, they used the AED one more time, after which the woman regained a pulse and cardiac rhythm.

Chest compressions at grocery store

Another Fairview Hospital nurse, Jess Barsa (whose mother happens to be a 28-year Fairview Hospital nurse veteran), was shopping at an area grocery store when she saw a crowd gathering around a man lying on the floor. Barsa identified herself as an emergency department nurse and offered to help, noting that the man had no pulse and was turning blue.

She began chest compressions while a manager got the AED, which she then used a few times and continued compressions until paramedics arrived. Karen Schmeidl, a nurse at Cleveland Clinic main campus, was also at the store at the time and helped Barsa with chest compressions.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in flower shop

Finally, Fairview Hospital Nurse Beth Meter was in a local flower shop when a man unexpectedly collapsed. Thinking on her feet, Meter quickly initiated CPR until paramedics arrived on the scene. When paramedics got to the flower shop, the man was noted to be in ventricular fibrillation. He was shocked and intubated before being taken to Fairview where he was successfully treated.

Thank you, nursing caregivers

Day in and day out, nurses all over the country are fulfilling life-saving acts, both in and out of the care environment, like those of the wonderful Cleveland Clinic Fairview nurses noted above. It’s thanks to these talented, selfless nurses that our profession is what it is today. Thank you, nursing caregivers everywhere, for all you do to care for and help others. You are truly making a difference, and your efforts are always appreciated.

Deborah C. Small is the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer of Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital.