This personal story came to me several weeks ago from Soneilly Rodriguez, RN, CRRN, an Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) member in Puerto Rico. Soneilly had submitted it as a This n' That feature; however, the more I read her story, the more I thought it should be shared as an editorial. We often talk about how we learn more from our patients than they do from us, and this article exemplifies that. Soneilly's story:
I started working in the rehabilitation area at Encompass Health, San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2017. At that time, I knew nothing about the rehabilitation process. I learned a lot from my peers, but I wanted to know more. Therefore, I started studying for the CRRN certification as I met the requirements to take the exam. At the time, I began not feeling well. However, I continued studying for the exam, and while preparing for the exam, I saw patients with various conditions and was able to apply my new knowledge to them. However, one particular patient caught my attention. She had come to rehabilitation with a recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. At the time, she didn't know much about the disease. While I was studying for my exam, I began researching multiple sclerosis so I could educate the patient about her disease and how to treat the symptoms.
The patient was extremely young, in her 30s, and the disease had greatly affected her mobility; however, her enthusiasm was strong and it was contagious. We built a great relationship, and I saw how she was improving her mobility more and more. She always thanked me for the time and advice I gave her for her energy conservation among other symptom management techniques.
As time went by, my own health continued to deteriorate, but I achieved my CRRN! I identified many symptoms in me that are seen in patients with multiple sclerosis. After many medical tests, I was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2020. My diagnosis is primary progressive multiple sclerosis. My life has not been easy. For mobility, I use a wheelchair; however, I continue to work as a CRRN educating both employees and patients. However, I have never forgotten the patient who retained such an unparalleled spirit and joy even though she had MS. I know we touch many patient lives, but many of them touch us. From this patient, I learned that a diagnosis does not stop you. Thanks to her and my CRRN, I continue to help patients and educate nurses in rehabilitation.
Now I touch more lives than before since patients can see that I speak to them as a professional but also as a patient. It is very gratifying to see the impact I have on each of my patients, and I am very proud to be a CRRN, a multiple sclerosis patient, and serve as an example of resilience for my patients.
Soneilly Rodriguez, RN, BSN, CRRN
Educadora y Charge Nurse
Encompass Health
San Juan, Puerto Rico