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Finding EXTRAordinary in the Ordinary

Lauren Izzell, FNP-C

Lauren Izzell, FNP-C is an Advanced Practice Clinician practicing emergency medicine at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, NC.

Reason for Visit:
The patient arrived experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness. She had recently tested positive for pregnancy but had not yet shared the news with her family. Unsure of the seriousness of her symptoms, she reached out to her close friend, Lauren Izzell for guidance.

Patient Outcome:
The patient underwent a successful emergency lifesaving procedure, received multiple blood transfusions, and was closely monitored in the hospital for a few days before discharge.

A woman with long, wavy light brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a teal top, set against a plain, light-colored background. A woman with long, wavy light brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a teal top, set against a plain, light-colored background.

EXTRAordinary Care

Lauren had just finished an evening shift when she received a call from her close friend, the patient. As the patient described her symptoms, Lauren immediately recognized the signs of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and understood the situation could be life-threatening without immediate intervention. She encouraged her friend to call EMS, but when the patient hesitated, her husband ultimately drove her to UNC Health Southeastern. Lauren alerted the emergency team ahead of their arrival and met them at the hospital, ensuring the ER team was fully prepared when the patient arrived.

Upon arrival, the patient was quickly moved to a critical care room and evaluated by Dr. Brianna Crosby and Dr. Renaud Komandur, PGY-2. A bedside ultrasound confirmed internal bleeding and a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Dr. Crosby urgently contacted OBGYN Dr. LaShauna Deese, who arrived immediately for a consultation. The patient was then taken to the operating room for life-saving surgery. In a rare stroke of luck, the OR team was already in the hospital on a Sunday, allowing for immediate intervention without delay.

Had Lauren not answered that call, one she nearly missed, the outcome could have been tragic. The quick and coordinated actions of the UNC Health Southeastern Emergency and OBGYN teams, saved this patient’s life. Thanks to their swift, skillful coordination, she made a full recovery.

“Words can’t fully express how grateful I am to you all for your prompt actions and compassion. You gave me the chance to not only survive this experience but to write this thank-you letter today. You saved my life, and I will forever be indebted to your remarkable team.”

– Patient

Aerial view of a hospital complex surrounded by trees. The main building features a distinct cylindrical glass section. Cars are parked below, under a clear blue sky. Aerial view of a hospital complex surrounded by trees. The main building features a distinct cylindrical glass section. Cars are parked below, under a clear blue sky.

Hospital Partner

UNC Health Southeastern is licensed for 452 beds and offers an array of acute care, intensive care and psychiatric services to the residents of Southeastern North Carolina and the surrounding region. UNC Health Southeastern serves 15,000 inpatients and 51,500 emergency patients annually.