Jennifer was registering a group of outpatients for a diabetes education class that was about to start when she noted a remark made on a patient's registration form that he was having "feelings of despair." She asked the patient if she could talk with him more. The patient said that he just didn't feel he could go on with all he was dealing with. Jennifer continued to talk with him, allowing him to share. He said to her, "I know you're busy, you don't have time for me." She said, "talking with you is the MOST important thing I have to do right now." She was able to help him understand that he wasn't alone and there is help. She accompanied the patient to the ED, where he received a psychiatric evaluation. He was then transferred to a psychiatric hospital and received inpatient treatment.

Jennifer quickly recognized the need for immediate intervention for this patient. We will never know what might have happened if she had not quickly recognized his need, but we do know that because she did, he promptly received the help he needed.