Merin Thomas
August 2022
Merin Abraham
Thomas
,
MSN BSN RN PMH-BC
Geri-psych NYPH-WBHC
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
White Plains
,
NY
United States
Even though the patient was quite ill, she was able to sense Merin's genuineness. The patient’s first steps in her recovery were led by Merin who role modeled how small kindnesses were allowing the patient to feel “whole” again
Merin Thomas MSN, BSN, RN, PMH-BC, is my colleague, role model, nurse leader, and friend. For almost 15 years we have worked side by side and not one day passes when I am not struck by her compassionate and selfless acts of kindness toward our patients.
With our many psychotic patients who are too paranoid to eat the unit means, Merin sits with them and listens to them to gain their trust; an intervention which often enables patients to begin to eat. She makes time to spend with patients a priority.
Patients considering Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) are often on the fence when considering consent for the procedure. Merin spends time offering education and reassurance and further makes certain that the nursing care for ECT is expeditious and supportive, i.e., advocating for an early appointment due to anxiety or medical concerns. One such patient had a most difficult recovery from the treatment related to re-awakening of an abusive event in her life possibly related to anesthesia. Merin sat with the patient offering 1:1 comfort until the patient was calm. She worked with the patient's partner to bring comforting objects from home such as her comforter and pillow. When the family became overwhelmed with their support of the patient, Merin provided them the reassurance that she along with the staff would stand in for the family until they recouped enough to resume visitation.
Another particular patient suffered from severe life-long Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Merin offered a non-judgmental understanding of her behaviors, but it was through their supportive respectful relationship that Merin was able to discover that the patient was fearful that her towel or clean clothes would touch the floor while she was in the shower. This led the patient to refuse to shower. Enlightened with this understanding, Merin assisted the patient with her shower, holding onto her towel and clothes while she showered as a measure of reassurance to the patient.
Merin approaches many of our psychotic patients, who have a penchant for threatening or physical gesturing, as a partner who does not make demands but is willing to support positive behaviors with gentle suggestions and options when feasible. She is non-threatening and most importantly does not make the patient feel “ganged up on.”
A recent severely psychotic woman with multiple medical co-morbidities posed many challenges. Merin led the way by approaching the patient with an optimistic tone and a real desire to assist the patient. Even though the patient was quite ill, she was able to sense Merin's genuineness. The patient’s first steps in her recovery were led by Merin who role modeled how small kindnesses were allowing the patient to feel “whole” again. Understand that this patient threw her food, drink, and medication at staff and verbally berated and belittled staff at every opportunity – despite her compromised medical condition. This did not deter Merin from orchestrating an intense level of nursing care that prevented pressure ulcers, falls, respiratory distress, or urinary tract infections – conditions associated with immobility. This patient slowly came around and was soon crocheting washcloths for staff and caps for newborns.
The patient offered this contribution to the DAISY Award nomination: “As always (Merin) is there in a pinch. When some days felt bleak, she is there, heart and soul upholding the essence of a great and caring professional nurse.” Of note, this patient became tearful when discussing with the writer her appreciation of Merin’s role in her recovery.
Merin Thomas possesses a most sincere sense of humility in her nursing practice. She is not one to look for accolades or to become discouraged when more intense efforts are needed. Her pure joy in caring for patients is truly unmatched. She is truly a DAISY Nurse.
With our many psychotic patients who are too paranoid to eat the unit means, Merin sits with them and listens to them to gain their trust; an intervention which often enables patients to begin to eat. She makes time to spend with patients a priority.
Patients considering Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) are often on the fence when considering consent for the procedure. Merin spends time offering education and reassurance and further makes certain that the nursing care for ECT is expeditious and supportive, i.e., advocating for an early appointment due to anxiety or medical concerns. One such patient had a most difficult recovery from the treatment related to re-awakening of an abusive event in her life possibly related to anesthesia. Merin sat with the patient offering 1:1 comfort until the patient was calm. She worked with the patient's partner to bring comforting objects from home such as her comforter and pillow. When the family became overwhelmed with their support of the patient, Merin provided them the reassurance that she along with the staff would stand in for the family until they recouped enough to resume visitation.
Another particular patient suffered from severe life-long Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Merin offered a non-judgmental understanding of her behaviors, but it was through their supportive respectful relationship that Merin was able to discover that the patient was fearful that her towel or clean clothes would touch the floor while she was in the shower. This led the patient to refuse to shower. Enlightened with this understanding, Merin assisted the patient with her shower, holding onto her towel and clothes while she showered as a measure of reassurance to the patient.
Merin approaches many of our psychotic patients, who have a penchant for threatening or physical gesturing, as a partner who does not make demands but is willing to support positive behaviors with gentle suggestions and options when feasible. She is non-threatening and most importantly does not make the patient feel “ganged up on.”
A recent severely psychotic woman with multiple medical co-morbidities posed many challenges. Merin led the way by approaching the patient with an optimistic tone and a real desire to assist the patient. Even though the patient was quite ill, she was able to sense Merin's genuineness. The patient’s first steps in her recovery were led by Merin who role modeled how small kindnesses were allowing the patient to feel “whole” again. Understand that this patient threw her food, drink, and medication at staff and verbally berated and belittled staff at every opportunity – despite her compromised medical condition. This did not deter Merin from orchestrating an intense level of nursing care that prevented pressure ulcers, falls, respiratory distress, or urinary tract infections – conditions associated with immobility. This patient slowly came around and was soon crocheting washcloths for staff and caps for newborns.
The patient offered this contribution to the DAISY Award nomination: “As always (Merin) is there in a pinch. When some days felt bleak, she is there, heart and soul upholding the essence of a great and caring professional nurse.” Of note, this patient became tearful when discussing with the writer her appreciation of Merin’s role in her recovery.
Merin Thomas possesses a most sincere sense of humility in her nursing practice. She is not one to look for accolades or to become discouraged when more intense efforts are needed. Her pure joy in caring for patients is truly unmatched. She is truly a DAISY Nurse.