July 2015
Stefanie
Shierk
,
RN
ICU
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
When I transferred from the medical floor to the ICU, I found myself at one of the lowest and saddest times of my life. I was feeling so low and forlorn I would not even call my family to tell them I was in trouble due to my drinking again. In came Stefanie, quick with a smile and a kind word, willing to spend long spells of time listening to me voice my troubles. She helped restore my confidence and hope for the future. Her knowledge of the addiction processes and the different facets of severe alcohol withdraws made her nonjudgmental as she treated my symptoms of withdraw. But as the craving for more and more drugs increased even as my symptoms of withdraw grew less and less, I will always respect her for the firm but respectful way she explained to that there was no need for more medications and how the addictive side of me was trying to take control of me. In other words, a form of tough love. I cannot say enough for all the help she has given me and how my self-respect has slowly returned. Thank you again, Stefanie. My prayers will always be with you.