rising above the crisis
Kirsti Davis, RN, works at her desk in the Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center.
The nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals has placed an unprecedented strain on the full gamut of healthcare providers—Citizen Advocates is no exception.
But amid these difficulties are inspiring stories illuminating the unwavering commitment of those who make lives better each day.
Registered Nurse Kirsti Davis is now 23 years into her chosen profession and managing the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at Citizen Advocates’ Ogdensburg Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (BHUC). She sat down for a Q&A to discuss the rewards of behavioral health nursing, managing the pressures of the job and more.
What led you to behavioral health nursing?
“My first ten years as a nurse were in surgical nursing, which gave me a good foundation and knowledge base. But I discovered along the way that it doesn’t matter what specialty you’re working in, you’re always dealing with clients with mental health and addiction struggles.”
In nursing school, she found behavioral health to be intimidating, but soon developed the skill set needed for that specific setting. She worked as an addiction and detox nurse at the state psychiatric hospital for five and a half years before coming to Citizen Advocates.
What is Medication Assisted Treatment?
“Clients come on a weekly basis to meet with a nurse, get tested for any drug use and receive replacement drugs for opiate addiction. They also meet with a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor for substance use counseling and can join outpatient groups to learn more about addiction and how to stay on the right path.”
Are there impactful stories from your time at the Ogdensburg BHUC you can share?
“When I first started here, I had a client who was knocking on death’s door. Now she’s been clean and sober for six months. It’s incredible to see her progress and the changes in her physical appearance and mental state. It’s just amazing.”
“Recently, we had another client who put in an application to work here because he said this place ‘saved his life.’ The good things, the positive things, they’re everywhere,” she said.
“A former coworker recruited me to Citizen Advocates’ BHUC. I interviewed and was sold on the purpose. The reason I became a nurse is to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s what we do here every day. ”