This week, we hear from Samantha Salerno, RN, BSN, who tells us all about a case in which a patient’s treatment for a painful condition was delayed — because his doctors and nurses made assumptions based on his tattoos.

This week, Betty speaks with her colleague Samuel Hirst, RN, BSN, about working with patients who have substance use and mental health issues. He also offers powerful advice for families and friends who want to support loved ones who are struggling with addiction.

After lengthy and complex hospital stays, follow-up care is exceedingly important. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for patients and their families to head home without a full understanding of what they are supposed to do next. This week’s episode highlights the work of Diane Bassett, RN, who recently helped a patient set up home care, find a primary care physician, and set up appointments with specialists after a patient was discharged without clear instructions after a catastrophic accident.

Tonya Niverson, RN, BSN, shares a story about how choosing to enter hospice care can make a remarkably positive difference in how patients and their loved ones experience the progression of a terminal illness.

Frightening respiratory symptoms sent a patient to the hospital several times, but no one could pinpoint their cause. It took months to find a doctor curious, patient, and good enough to figure out she had a combination of several different conditions. With Ramona Cooper, MSN, RN from Guardian Nurses.

During a young man’s lengthy stay in the ICU, the lack of clear communication makes an already frightening situation even worse. Happily, Janice Penn, BSN, RN, from Guardian Nurses was ready to step in and improve the situation by empowering the family to get clear answers to their questions and to ensure their concerns were addressed.

After a stroke, a man was discharged home with supplies, equipment, and overwhelming piles of paperwork. While in-home healthcare visits were scheduled, the professionals weren’t expected to arrive for two days. Happily, a Guardian Nurse helped the patient’s...