We had a patient who came into the EDafter a heroin overdose. With the prevalence of this drug in our community, it is easy to become hardened and uncaring towards this patient population. However, this patient was completely different. He was extremely thankful for the life-saving care he received. The patient was wanting help "getting clean". The patient felt the physicians were not taking him seriously. Lisa took it upon herself to contact Beckett Springs for this patient and speak to the staff on the patient's behalf. Lisa was able to secure a place at Beckett Springs as soon as he was discharged from the ED.
Fast forward 8 months. The patient was in the ED for pneumonia and his mother specifically wanted to speak to Lisa. The mother informed Lisa that her son had been clean since she took him to Beckett Springs for rehab. The patient and his mother were so thankful and appreciative for all the help, and resources, Lisa provided them with. The patient's mother stated to Lisa,
"If it wasn't for you, he still would probably be using".
As an ED nurse, we don't usually find out what happens to our patients once they leave. It is nice to see how much of an impact one nurse can have on someone's life. I truly believe nursing is a calling. Lisa has made a difference in so many lives!