In honor of March being declared “Disabilities Month” and the upcoming spring celebration of nurse's week in May, I wanted to introduce a new article that will appear periodically on our website. With this article, I hope to highlight the dedicated nurses within our field of IDD (Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities) and share who these nurses are with our readers.

Pat Martin, LPN, DDC from Ken-Crest Services was interviewed because she sets an example of caring and advocacy. Here is a little more information about Pat.

Pat began her nursing career in 1999. She initially worked in the hospital setting, first in the Emergency room and later on a Med/Surg floor. She entered our field of IDD indirectly at the urging of her husband who was an employee of Ken-Crest Services. This April celebrates Pat's 11th year as an IDD nurse at Ken-Crest Services.

Pat discussed her personal growth over these past 11 years. Pat shared that she feels increasingly empowered as an advocate to work for the needs of the individuals. She has not only learned by experiences within the field, but has learned primarily through the clients she interacts with. She states "Our clients are smart and have been my teachers." She has come to know a new dimension beyond a "nurse-client" relationship. She describes this as, “One human being working with another human being, friends helping friends.”

Pat's moments of personal fulfillment span many experiences. These include assisting someone through a terminal illness and home hospice, to the journey of a woman receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment and reconstructive surgery. Pat is committed to helping this woman realize a personal dream which includes a positive and healthy self image and self determination. This includes the opportunity to dress up and attend the upcoming Ken-Crest Prom.

Pat is involved with the annual coordination of Ken-Crest's Spring Prom. This dance is a combined effort of the individuals, families and the local community. In June of this year it will be the 9th year the prom has been run. One of Pat's coworkers had this to say about her. "Since Pat began her career at Ken-Crest, she has been a tireless advocate for not only the health and safety of the consumers she supports, but has been passionate about their happiness and quality of life. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for anyone she has a connection to on a regular basis and is always there to provide support and encouragement." Because of these sentiments and many others from Pat's co-workers, Pat received Ken-Crest's "Opportunity Brings Ability to Life" Award last year.

Pat is truly an asset to the agency she represents; to the individuals she works to support, and also to our small nursing field of IDD. Thank you Pat from all of us!

Author: Joyce Simons, RN - Community Based Nurse at PCHC.