Anne Boucard, MSN, RN, APN-BC, PMHNP-BC, Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Princeton House’s Hamilton site, has seen her share of daily suffering and trauma. Born in Haiti, she returned for a mission trip in 2010 with a freight container of medical supplies to provide direct care for patients suffering and dying during the cholera epidemic.
“In addition to dealing with the most recent devastating earthquake, many people in Haiti face constant, complex trauma stemming from food insecurity and concern for their safety—not to mention the stigma and potential assaults that can result if someone shows any signs of mental illness,” says Boucard. “When you witness the lack of basic human essentials, it shapes the way you see things in life.”
Her background and experience—including a professional position where she experienced bullying—have brought greater compassion and insight to her role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. In this context, Boucard believes that trauma assessment is as important as any critical vital sign. Because culture is an integral part of one’s life, she recommends digging deeper to understand how cultural beliefs affect presentation. This includes:
- Asking patients culturally relevant questions like where they were born, how they came to this country, what stressful events they’ve encountered as part of this journey—and if born here, what adverse life experiences they’ve had to face—and what the meaning of mental health is to them.
- Establishing a human connection that puts empathy and compassion at the forefront. This means truly taking time with a patient, establishing eye contact and body language that shows you’re not in a hurry, and actively listening.
Framing Your Outlook with Gratitude
“I may be the last person a patient is turning to in a crisis, so I need to be receptive and ready,” says Boucard. “Part of this mindset is to wake up every day grateful for everything, from the breath that I take to the honor of having a job that helps people. Other people have filled my bucket throughout my life, and now it’s my turn to do that for others.”
Boucard’s advice to peers and patients—once a rapport is established and they are ready to hear it—includes:
Shake your feathers. Greet each day as a new day, shaking off what happened yesterday.
Claim the day. Whether it’s a “Marvelous Monday” or “Terrific Tuesday,” name the day and frame it that way in your mind.
Attitude becomes your altitude. Dress for the day, hold your head up, and walk with confidence.
Establish a purpose. Once you have a purpose in mind, you can create a structured plan to help define it.
“As providers, we’re on a quest to help others, so we need to take every opportunity to uplift the people we encounter every day,” she adds. “Everyone has greatness in them, and we can be a beacon of hope to help them see it.”
Article as seen in the Fall 2021 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.
