September 2020
Shirmaine
Baltimore
,
RN
Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit
UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center
Manassas
,
VA
United States
I trusted Shirmaine enough to give it to her whereas I had hidden it behind my back as other nurses and techs walked by.
At 27 years old, I've attempted suicide 6 times. This time landed me in BHIP. I kept cutting myself with whatever I could find. Ms. Shirmaine always treated me with kindness, compassion, and respect. She took the time to explain my meds (both old and new) to me and what they were doing to improve my health. She listened to me and was very encouraging which helped me to find the light in the darkness. The darkness came to a head when I was left with a toothbrush in my possession that I began shaving against the door's lock, in hopes of making another shank. However, when I saw Ms. Sharmaine who was working on my meds at the time, she had come to check on me and that's when I surrendered it to her. I trusted her enough to give it to her whereas I had hidden it behind my back as other nurses and techs walked by. She thanked me and assured me that I made the right decision. Despite how busy she was, she continued to listen and remain attentive throughout the week.