As a patient coming in for the last time for ETOH detoxification, I had grown weary of the cold looks of disdain I received in the past at other hospitals and institutions. Outside VA the general attitude was as if to insinuate "you did this to yourself" and "I'd have empathy for a cancer patient, but not someone with alcoholism". My heart was already broken from alcohol. Would it be too much to ask that my nurse show understanding, compassion, and respect? Alex Dunne RN not only reinforced that it was a neurological disorder or disease and was not my fault but also had the temerity to have compassion enough to inspire hope by informing that there is a way to win against alcohol. How dare she inspire hope? Hope is more powerful than any drink be it beer, liquor or wine or medication for that matter. Nurse Alex Dunne exhibited the type of consummate professionalism that would be the equivalent of seeing a dragon, a unicorn and finding a four leaf clover all in the same day! I watched through my well-managed pain as she prioritized patient care using logic and dignity. She altruistically helped her patients at a rate that can only be characterized as intimidatingly efficient; she even found time to fetch me tea and juice and milk. Seem small? It wasn't for me. Not only the small things but during a sheer panic attack she knew the bedside manner necessary to bring the attack to an abrupt end without the use of medications.
Nurse Dunne has the unique ability to engender trust through faithful action and compassionate understanding while maintaining discipline and efficiency under grueling conditions. Good people do what is right 'no matter the cost' and truly great people do what is right 'no matter the cost but additionally pay it gladly'. The truly excellent people have 'given up on giving up' altogether; forever moving forward, no going backward, because that's not good for anyone. Nurse Dunne and the VA are moving forward, never going backward.