A jack of all trades

Throughout her 30-year nursing career, 20 of which have been spent at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Christine Miles has tackled various assignments. One of her last stints was in the intensive care unit at Piedmont, where she cared for critically ill patients.

“But I was looking for a change,” said Miles, of Austell.

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Leita Cowart / AJC Special

Christine Miles handles many duties for Piedmont Hospital’s Rapid Response Team. ‘No day is really the same, and you never know what it’s going to be like next,’ she said.

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That change came three years ago with an opening on the hospital’s Rapid Response Team (STAT) team. This demanding, fast-paced job requires quick responses to constantly changing, critical-care issues.

STAT nurses respond to more than 300 calls per month, and each call may last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the situation. Miles is one of two special STAT nurses assigned to each hospital shift.

“In this job, I can be anywhere — helping out in ICU or in the ER,” Miles said. “I also get calls from nurses on the floor for emergency situations where they may need a second opinion. I also answer to all the codes, including those in the doctors’ offices, and assist physicians on the floor in giving medication.

“It’s a little bit of everything. No day is really the same, and you never know what it’s going to be like next.”

Being prepared to meet any emergency or challenge is what Miles likes most about her job.

“Even our job description is quite varied and covers quite a bit,” she said. “We go wherever we’re needed.”

Miles’ boss, Kelly Hulsey, has heard from patients and other hospital staffers about the nurse’s dedication.

“Because of her clinical skills, knowledge, communication skills and professionalism, Christine is valued and respected by physicians and other nurses throughout the hospital,” Hulsey said. “Her very presence inspires calm and confidence on the part of the other staff, which can only be good for the patient.

“I frequently receive calls, e-mails, and comments, thanking Christine for her help in various situations. The ultimate vote of confidence: I would entrust the care of my loved ones to Christine without a single doubt.”