July 2024
Debra
Hager
,
RN
Behavioral Health Pavillion
WVU Medicine at Princeton Community Hospital
Bluefield
,
WV
United States
She entered the area and found the man trying to end his life with a sheet he had tied around his neck. Debbie’s actions saved this man’s life!
Debbie was conducting 15-minute safety rounds at the BHP this past weekend; she realized one of her patients was not in the common areas. Due to her interactions with the patient throughout his stay, she became concerned. She went looking for the patient and alerted the rest of the team so they could assist with the search. Debbie entered his room and heard his shower running. Debbie could have assumed that he was simply taking a shower, all was well and called off the search. But she did not. She entered the area and found the man trying to end his life with a sheet he had tied around his neck. Debbie’s actions saved this man’s life! When I spoke with Debbie about this situation she didn’t see her actions as anything heroic or extraordinary, instead her focus was on the patient’s wellbeing and how concerned she was about him. That is a Nurse’s heart! This gentleman and all of our patients are truly fortunate to have someone like Debbie and the team looking out for their well-being.