A mentally ill patient was brought to the ED with a policeman for aggressive behavior to his family. The patient was not willing to cooperate with our requests to do an EKG, draw bloodwork, or collect urine. For one hour, I tried to work with him and he just didn't want to comply with our requests. He finally said something that gave me an opportunity to reach him. He said, "I just want to go to MSTI." I told him he couldn't go there but that I would call to see if a nurse was available to help.
Denise answered the call without hesitation. She immediately came up, and he allowed her to access his port and he willingly complied with the specimen collection, removal of clothes, and EKG. Denise's warm and caring approach put him at ease and helped him to be more at peace with the situation. She was proficient, accommodating and respectful. We were all so blessed to have Denise with us on that day.