Making the care plan fit the patient’s life
Posted 01 May 2019 - 00:01
How nurse practitioner Victoria Wilson helped a patient still struggling with pain and trauma long after an accident
A car accident changed Nicola Davies’ life. Six years later she was still experiencing back problems, arthritis in her hip and chronic neuropathic pain, not to mention the psychological and social effects of the trauma.
‘From the moment I met Victoria Wilson, I felt that she listened,’ says Ms Davies. ‘And she looked at my case holistically, which was so refreshing. She showed courage in changing my medication. She gave me choices and I finally felt I had input into my care plan.
More positive and in control
‘She discussed my lifestyle and work shift patterns, along with my emotional status, before finding something that would fit into my life rather than me having to make more adaptations. I left that first consultation feeling much more positive and in control.’
Read about the rest of our Patient’s Choice finalists below, or click here to vote
And Ms Wilson followed up, regularly phoning her to see how the pain was and adapting medication accordingly. ‘Whenever I have issues regarding my pain or my newly diagnosed Graves’ disease I feel reassured that Victoria will be there to listen and act on the changes.’
Ms Davies, who is herself a nurse, has nominated Ms Wilson in the Patient’s Choice category of the RCNi Nurse Awards 2019.
‘Even a thank you card is treasured’
Ms Wilson, a nurse practitioner at the Healthcare Centre general practice in Preston, Lancashire, says: ‘Nursing is a profession where you get on with doing what you need to do – so even a thank you card is treasured. I was just doing my job.
‘Nicola has been through so much. She’s been incredibly brave and patient with each thing she has faced, so it is touching that she has taken the time to nominate me for this award.’
Voting opens on 1 May and closes at midnight on 14 June. The winner will be announced at the RCNi Nurse Awards ceremony in London on 3 July.
Our Patient’s Choice shortlist
Which of our five inspirational nurse nominees will win the Patient’s Choice award? Here are the rest of the finalists:
- Sarah Everett: Health checks and horticulture: a haven for men facing social isolation
- Andrea Jennings: ‘Extra support for our patients in the community is a team effort’
- Valerie Miller: Creating a home from home through cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Emeka Madubeze: ‘This work is about empowering young people with mental health problems’
Elaine Cole is RCNi special projects editor
The Patient’s Choice award is supported by the Patients Association