March 2015
Margaret
Dominiguez
,
MSN,RN
Behavioral Health
Washington DC VA Medical Center
Washington
,
DC
United States
Ms. Dominiguez was nominated by a patient who was suffering with issues related to behavioral health. Understanding the importance of trust on areas such as medication compliance and social problems related to finances. She gained this patient's trust, reviewed medications including reasons why the patient may not be taking them, and helped resolve the problem so that the patient was able to afford them. She then worked with the patient to find suitable, affordable housing so that for the first time in years, this patient now has a comfortable home. She was available to this patient even after hours and helped her work through issues of distrust of the system and managing her health so that she can now live productively in the community.