Diane S Chambers
June 2023
Diane S
Chambers
,
LVN
Internal Medicine Clinic
Audie Murphy VA Hospital
San Antonio
,
TX
United States
This patient had depressive episodes and had not developed a trusting relationship with anyone and on that day, decided to share his experiences with Ms. Chambers. Ms. Chambers listened to the patient and continued to provide verbal support.
Ms. Chambers's quick action and effective communication skills caught a very acute and high-risk veteran who had attempted suicide 2-weeks prior. The veteran presented to the clinic and was experiencing suicidal thoughts with access to firearms.
Dr. M clearly remembered the scenario from Wednesday morning when the veteran had a scheduled appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Chambers completes her usual intake assessment, which is always very thorough, and supports a safe environment for the veteran. As she was completing the intake, Ms. Chambers noted the veteran was not making eye contact, his head was down, and his body language “was just not right.” As an IMC Pact Primary Care nurse, it is imperative to observe and pick up small cues that something is impacting the veteran. Ms. Chambers recognized the uneasiness of the body language and immediately offered verbal support to the veteran. It was after this statement made by Ms. Chambers that the veteran shared his emotional state which was impacted by his experiences in the Vietnam War. This patient had depressive episodes and had not developed a trusting relationship with anyone and on that day, decided to share his experiences with Ms. Chambers. Ms. Chambers listened to the patient and continued to provide verbal support. She also went over the questionnaire for the SI risk and depression screening without being judgmental. During their conversation he shared his most recent suicidal attempt 2-weeks ago and that he had access to firearms. Ms. Chambers quickly reached out to her other team members while remaining with the patient considering his current mental state upgraded him to same day immediate access with the PCMHI (Primary Care Mental Health Integration). Her continued reassurance, support, and recognition of his immediate needs including her collaboration with team members provided a successful outcome for the patient during his time of crisis. As Dr. M stated,” More often than not, we come across with situations to evaluate after the fact on – what we could have done better or improved on in critical moments as the one provided”. Ms. Chambers clearly demonstrates great dedication to duty, the organization, and the care of the patient. She continuously goes above and beyond with every patient and exhibits all the I CARE values.
Dr. M clearly remembered the scenario from Wednesday morning when the veteran had a scheduled appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Chambers completes her usual intake assessment, which is always very thorough, and supports a safe environment for the veteran. As she was completing the intake, Ms. Chambers noted the veteran was not making eye contact, his head was down, and his body language “was just not right.” As an IMC Pact Primary Care nurse, it is imperative to observe and pick up small cues that something is impacting the veteran. Ms. Chambers recognized the uneasiness of the body language and immediately offered verbal support to the veteran. It was after this statement made by Ms. Chambers that the veteran shared his emotional state which was impacted by his experiences in the Vietnam War. This patient had depressive episodes and had not developed a trusting relationship with anyone and on that day, decided to share his experiences with Ms. Chambers. Ms. Chambers listened to the patient and continued to provide verbal support. She also went over the questionnaire for the SI risk and depression screening without being judgmental. During their conversation he shared his most recent suicidal attempt 2-weeks ago and that he had access to firearms. Ms. Chambers quickly reached out to her other team members while remaining with the patient considering his current mental state upgraded him to same day immediate access with the PCMHI (Primary Care Mental Health Integration). Her continued reassurance, support, and recognition of his immediate needs including her collaboration with team members provided a successful outcome for the patient during his time of crisis. As Dr. M stated,” More often than not, we come across with situations to evaluate after the fact on – what we could have done better or improved on in critical moments as the one provided”. Ms. Chambers clearly demonstrates great dedication to duty, the organization, and the care of the patient. She continuously goes above and beyond with every patient and exhibits all the I CARE values.