"I received a late night transfer from the ICU. We were very busy, and the nurses brought the patient down, put her in the room, and told me they called report to the other nurse on the floor. It was close to 11 PM and while I was working a 12-hour shift, I knew the ICU nurses were probably leaving. I called up to the floor and asked to speak with the nurse who was caring for the patient. The unit secretary was brusque and stated that she was leaving, and that I had all the information and orders I needed and I was a nurse and could figure it out. I was upset, but I took a second to compose myself and stated directly and plainly that I needed to speak to the discharging nurse, per protocol and excellent patient care, but if she wasn't available I would speak to the charge nurse. Before I spoke, I worked it out in my head that this was the professional and right request, and I dismissed my initial feelings of annoyance and dismissal. When the nurse answered the phone, she was clearly annoyed. The first thing I did was to acknowledge that I knew it was time for her to leave, and that I really appreciated her coming back to talk with me to provide excellent patient care. Her voice softened and I got a great report. I was really proud of the way I handled myself professionally, and that I advocated for the patient."
