Helping the toast-shaped people since 2010

I totally had the "ah-ha" moment of my budding nurse practitioner career today. I have found a breast lump, sent 3 individuals to the hospital, and discovered a valid reason for resistant hypertension without referral (coarctation of the aorta, fancy). Those are all cool and exciting, but today I actually made a true difference ...

I have a gentleman who presents to clinic with his young son. His son is a metal kid, and I speak his language fluently and he loves his dad without pretense. His dad is depressed and battling chronic disease. I have initiated the conversation on seeking help for the depression to closed ears 3 times now. His depression doesn't take a clinician to recognize, it is the kind where a random stranger would offer help, a hug, or a sorrowful face and nod of understanding. Each time I leave the room in near tears, because I feel empathy and overwhelming respect for the son. He keeps his dad alive, gives him a reason to smile, and wants so badly to help him (side note, where did individuals like this disappear to?). Today I decided to focus on this beautiful dynamic, and I rallied the son to the rescue. We threw a Hail Mary pass and the play was perfect.

HE AGREED TO TRY AN ANTI-DEPRESSANT!!!!

That was my feel good moment of all my clinical experiences combined. Better than the one time CPR worked. Better than proving the CON wrong about my semi-awful luck and performance in school. I just wish now I had follow-up to see the difference I hope it will make. Maybe I will be okay when I graduate. Maybe.

In ode to my clinical experiences I present the worst/best marketing for an erectile dysfunction drug ever. I love and keep giggling when I see the sexy toast people.