I just needed to give a shout out to Jennifer Dugan regarding a particular patient situation that occurred this morning. We had 17-year-old who inflicted an intentional laceration on his wrist. SPOE cleared this patient and Jennifer felt led to go in and not only talk to the grandmother (guardian) and patient, but she provided them with outpatient Psychiatric and Counseling services. Her next course of action was to take a personal approach with this young man, whom she said reminded her of her own son, who struggles with self-worth. She affirmed this young man's value in life through personal testimony and genuine concern. This interaction lasted around 15 minutes, but I truly believe that she alone may have changed the outcome for this young man. He was engaged with her testimony and genuinely felt like he had someone on his side in this difficult moment of his life. She may have just saved the life of a struggling teenager without ever having to administer what we would consider "Emergency Department" care.

She told me, "That's why I became a nurse and why I strive so hard to be the best I can be. It's for patients like him that I do what I do". Jennifer's attention to the situation and personal conflict to step in and speak into a young man's life is why I believe she'll be one of the finest nurses SSM has ever employed. Sometimes, how good a nurse isn't measured on scan rates, successful skill completions, or the surveys, but by compassion and willingness to speak into one's life when called upon to do so. I am extremely proud of Jennifer's actions this morning and I'm proud to say she exemplified what it truly means to be a Saint in Action.