A minor patient came into the clinic with his mother. The patient was having suicidal thoughts, was very agitated and not real cooperative. Amanda triaged the patient and sat down on a stool in the room with this young boy. She spent several minutes asking questions about how he felt, what was going on at school and what was going through his mind. After listening to the patient, she explained that he would need to go to the hospital for an evaluation and she thoroughly explained our protocol for patients who attempted to harm themselves or had thoughts about it.
The patient began to become irritated again and refused to see the provider at first and stated that he would not go to the hospital. Amanda explained that the police would have to come and talk with him and decide how he would need to be transported. The patient and his mom were both tearful. Amanda never left the room. She stayed with them to reassure them this was for the patient's well-being and safety. She began to share a personal story regarding her family. She was very empathetic to the situation and made a connection with the young patient and mother on a more personal level. She stayed with them until the provider and law enforcement gave them instructions. Amanda called the mom to check on her and to make sure she and the patient had reached the hospital safely. A true caring example of a nurse and a human being.