Editha was caring for a patient whose daughter was a Veteran. Through conversation, Editha discovered the daughter needed assistance to get the Veteran benefits she was entitled to. Editha gave the daughter the appropriate phone number to call to get assistance. Because of her compassion and using resources available to her, the daughter was able to get a medical discharge and all of the benefits she deserved for her service.
The patient is recovering well and the daughter is very grateful for Editha providing them with the resources that have changed their lives.
Editha was caring for another patient who had had extensive abdominal surgery and had been in the hospital for an extended period of time. The family was concerned about how they were going to take care of him after he left the hospital. He required dressing changes and appliances that were expensive and complicated. She spent time taking care of him and found out the patient was homeless with no insurance. The patient's mom stated that he had been in the service. That night Editha mentioned to her husband that there was a homeless veteran on the floor. The next day her husband called the floor to speak with the social worker to inquire about this patient. The social worker got permission from the patient and family to speak with the Veterans Service Officer (Editha's husband). He was able to assist the patient by finding out the years of service and later finding out that the patient was eligible to receive VA benefits. The patient was then transferred to a VA facility and is currently receiving treatment.
Editha feels obligated to ask about military history in an effort to help out all Veterans. I know she feels like it's nothing she is doing but if she had not asked about these patients' military history, they would not have received their benefits.
Thank you for your compassion, willingness to listen and ability to help both patients and families.