Great Catch winner announced

Jessica Mentes, RN, West Tower 6, won the Great Catch Award after recognizing a potentially life-threatening situation. During a thorough bedside assessment of a patient who had returned from hemodialysis, Mentes noticed bleeding from the patient’s arteriovenous fistula, which is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein used for hemodialysis. Mentes immediately notified the patient’s provider, who identified a ruptured fistula. The patient was taken into emergency surgery to have it repaired.

During a screening Nora Haxhija, MRI technician, identified a potential safety risk involving a patient with tissue expanders, which are generally contraindicated for MRI testing. She stopped the line and escalated her concerns, preventing a potential serious safety event. Her actions exemplify situational awareness, validation and verification and the courage to speak up for safety.