A veteran with severe mental illness was released from prison after serving over 15 years. Prior to his incarceration, the veteran was on the fringes of society, suffering from a debilitating bipolar disorder. After so many years in a prison, he felt hopelessly apart from society; he was not part of any community. The veteran was hospitalized on the inpatient psychiatric unit at the Cincinnati VA. He was discharged to a group home, with a felony record and MHICM case management. (Mental Health Intensive Case Management). This veteran was lucky enough to have Jim Meyer assigned as his case manager. It was important for the veteran to not be labeled as a felon, and he was anxious about rejoining "the real world". Jim worked tirelessly and carefully, disclosing to providers and community partners only what information needed to be known, to allow this veteran a smooth transition. By helping with the veteran's multiple medical and mental health issues, the vet had a partner who was a fellow veteran and someone on his side.
So, how does Jim demonstrate the principles?
Integrity: Maintains the trust and confidence of all with whom he engages.
The veteran Jim worked with put his confidence - and his life, really - in Jim's hands. But Jim earned this trust. The veteran had seen dozens of case managers, social workers, various providers, etc., throughout the penal and VA system. He had many reasons not to trust "the next person coming down the pike", but he trusted Jim.
Commitment: Serves Veterans and their families by honoring the VA's mission.
"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. Jim truly honored this veteran by helping him find his way back into society. He helped this veteran regain his life. There were bumps along the way, but Jim was there to help every time he was needed.
Advocacy: Truly focuses on serving the Veteran.
Jim Meyer was a tireless advocate for this veteran. Case managers walk a fine line between allowing the veteran to choose their own path and providing supports when needed. Only by building a trusting relationship does that work. The trust works both ways: the veteran trusts the case manager to provide honest support and feedback, and the case manager trusts the veteran to make the choices that will best serve them. In this case, the trust was mutual.
Respect: Provides dignity and respect to everyone he serves and encounters.
This veteran had not experienced much dignity and respect at times and had no reason to expect it upon his release from prison. Jim set the standard and helped the veteran to expect to be treated with dignity. Jim treated the veteran with nothing but dignity and respect. This helped the veteran understand that he deserved it and should expect this treatment from others. By honoring the veteran when with other providers and community partners, he set the tone for how the veteran was treated.
Excellence: Strives for the highest quality and continuous improvement.
The veteran had a lot of health issues, including a history of tuberculosis exposure. Jim made sure - absolutely 100% sure - the veteran received the medications he needed. Outpatient TB treatment is not commonplace, so Jim needed to learn the strict protocols and follow precise treatment regimens. He did, which allowed the vet to remain in the community. Only others with a need to know were privy to the veteran's condition. Jim broadened his nursing knowledge base to benefit the veteran.
This veteran's initial discharge from the inpatient psychiatric unit resulted in a quick readmission. The second discharge was a success. Why? Jim Meyer. Jim could take some credit for helping this vet turn his life around. But he wouldn't…he'd say it was a team effort. It was Jim who led the team and guided the veteran to a successful transition to "the real world".
The veteran we're talking about made a few good friends in the group home where he lived. He ended up marrying a lovely lady who also lived in the group home. They got an apartment and lived just like everyone else. This was unimaginable to the veteran when he was released from prison. This was an unlikely outcome, except that this veteran had a great case manager. With Jim Meyer on your side, you should expect great things to happen!