Kathleen Burke
February 2020
Kathleen
Burke
,
RN
WCT-6 Psychiatry
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Cleveland
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

I am an Iraq war vet suffering from PTSD. I was self-admitted to Cares Tower 6th floor due to suicidal thoughts. Early one morning, since I don't sleep, Kathleen, who wasn't my nurse, sat down and talked to me. She really listened and truly cared. She brought me her own personal book, "Chicken Soup for the Soul." She acknowledged my moral bruising and made me feel worthy of compassion in a dark time. She followed up with me and put me in contact with another Vet who has dealt with similar traumas. She showed me a glimmer of light in a dark time. I found motivation in that book and her care. I am leaving tomorrow and it's all because of her. So, this is the least I can do.