Ingrid Boettcher exemplifies the Providence mission of serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, in conjunction with the DAISY mission to celebrate nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care while serving as an outstanding role model. She is currently a Clinic RN in the Providence Seaside Medical Group, which allows her to develop her skills in outpatient wound care.

While caring for a wound care patient, she discussed this patient’s living situation; the patient reported they were living in an old, broken house on the coast without heat or means to cook nutrient-dense meals for themselves. They also expressed an inability to care for themselves, which led to medication confusion and decreased capacity for wound healing. The patient discussed previous attempts to reach out to social services near their home, which were dismissed. After this wound care appointment, Ingrid reached out to this patient’s primary care provider to discuss assisted living, which led to Ingrid connecting with social services to have this patient and their home environment evaluated. Through Ingrid’s diligent nature and her recognition of the importance of the social determinants of health for healing, the patient was evaluated by social services and now resides in an assisted living facility. The patient has repeatedly expressed gratitude for Ingrid’s determination to ensure holistic care.

The patient reports they are now eating better, they are receiving their medications as prescribed, and the environment allows them to feel cared for. This patient sought care for their wounds; Ingrid recognized the needs of the whole person and utilized interprofessional collaboration to care for this patient. I am proud to be one of Ingrid’s colleagues as she is an outstanding example of the nursing focus of the whole person and Providence’s mission to especially care for the vulnerable.