Rachel Robey is a new graduate registered nurse in the Emergency Department, approx. 3 weeks off orientation. Recently, Rachel cared for a patient exhibiting signs and symptoms of abuse. With the abuser nearby, Rachel was able to confidentially ask the patient questions related to her concern. The patient denied any problems at that time. Rachel then related to her that our hospital is a safe space and if she ever needed help to return to our ED.
Last night, the same patient presented to the ED with a false complaint. The patient opened up to the charge nurse about the real reason she was in our ED and the abuser was outside with a weapon. ED staff reacted quickly to lockdown the department and engaged Denver Police and HSS security to confront the abuser. The abuser was arrested with a deadly weapon and during the arrest, threatened both officers and staff.
Because of Rachel, prior concerns and the education provided during a visit where allegations were denied, Rachel was able to literally save this patient from a possible deadly outcome.