Rachelle Floyd, LVN

This is just one story I would like to share with you all. I am proud of one of our HOMES Nurses even though she is not looking for praise. I am beyond proud. I know nurses do amazing things every day and no one sees but when you work at HOMES and are trying to convince a patient to do anything, it can be a challenge. Our patients know they come in stinky and dirty, but we look past that and do what is best for their health. Once we show them that we really care, they let their guard down. Here is an example of what Rachelle did. The patient came into Stewpot (homeless resource clinic) wanting his ID, declined vaccines, and stated he didn't want treatments just his paperwork for his ID. Rachelle explained he was going to be waiting for the provider for about 15 minutes so why didn't we just do a foot exam really quick while we were waiting? It will not hurt, and you'll get it out of the way while you'll be waiting anyway. He took off his socks and shoes and started apologizing for the smell. Rochelle told him not to worry it was a judgment-free zone and she just wanted to help him and make sure his feet were in good health due to the risk of a diabetic ulcer. The smell was so bad you could see the great toe down to the bone. He agreed to go to Parkland ED and was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis. Who knows how bad this would have gotten for the patient if Rachelle had not been persistent in doing a foot exam?