Gabriela Luna
May 2019
Gabriela
Luna
,
RN
Park Hill Family Health Center
Denver Health
Denver
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

We have a patient who has become one of the most challenging patients due to a combination of multiple medical and mental health/psychiatric problems. The patient has a good heart, but his personality disorder traits and other psychiatric disease cause him to easily become impatient, frustrated, angry and sometimes just plain mean. Gabriela has the patience and compassion needed to care for this patient. Last year the patient became very ill and developed a large ulcerated would on their leg. They refused to allow for wound care at home from a visiting nurse, but Gabriela agreed to take on the challenge without hesitation. The patient began coming in for wound care with Gabriela. As predicted, the patient frequently showed up late to appointments, refused to have vital signs checks, and made rude comments. She stayed strong. After many visits with amazing patience, skill, and empathy, she began to gain their trust. She engages in friendly conversations, which is something no one really ever offered this patient. Gabriela knows that taking care of this patient's other medical problems is a lot like taking care of the leg wound. It is a slow process and things won't be fixed in a day. She celebrates the small victories and cheers them on. While the patient will never admit it, they trust Gabriela and feels cared for by her. Gabriela is the epitome of a great nurse. She is a model for every nurse and every employee of Denver Health.