Our Calling is Caring: September 07

September 2007

A New Mom

During a discharge phone call to a diabetic new mom, Kathy, RN, noticed that the patient was not tracking well in answering her questions. Kathy became suspicious that something was medically causing the patients inability to track. So, she immediately began asking the new mom questions about how she was feeling and if the baby was present. The patient responded that the new child was being cared for by someone else at this time and she was alone.  After several more questions, it was apparent the patient needed medical assistance and Kathy intervened. She informed the patient she was calling 911 and sending an ambulance. With no appropriate response or objection, Kathy called 911 for the new mom. The ambulance arrived and the patient was transported to the nearest facility and was treated for her low blood sugar. Kathy’s discharge call may have saved the life of this new mom and it clearly reinforced the impact these calls have.