At Tully Hill we are proud to work with a team of nurses whose passion for treating patients with substance use disorders is unparalleled. It takes a special and dedicated nurse to work with patients that face the stigma of addiction on a daily basis. Substance use disorders have both physical and mental components, which makes it vitally important for the nurses at Tully Hill to have a foundation in medical/surgical nursing in addition to the expertise they have in behavioral health. As a part of our ongoing social media efforts, Tully Hill has selected exceptional members of our staff to highlight. This week we are pleased to highlight one of our phenomenal nurses.
Meet Tim, RN
As an RN, Tim has dedicated his life to helping others and battling the stigmas of addiction. He helps patients deal with the physical and mental effects of substance use on a daily basis with compassion and empathy.
1. Why did you become a nurse?
“I must admit nursing was not my first choice… or 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th, etc… I wanted to be a teacher. However, I was unable to find a permanent teaching position. I was thinking either law school or something in the medical field. The world has more than enough lawyers (no offense) but, is in desperate need of nurses. Plus, nurses get to work in their pajamas! But seriously, I’m grateful life worked out the way it did. I’m doing what I was always meant to do. I might be lecturing on a topic such as “Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome,” explaining potential medication side effects, or sharing my own experience whenever pertinent. As an RN at Tully Hill, I’m teaching all the time.”
2. What is your favorite part of the job?
“My favorite part of the job is seeing the light go on in someone’s eyes. It’s pretty amazing.”
3. What do you like to do in your spare time? Or one fun or interesting fact about yourself.
“I enjoy endurance activities. I’m not very fast but, I never give up. I Love running (and I love pizza so, they pretty much cancel each other out). Coolest thing I’ve ever done: when I turned 30, I bought a nice touring bicycle, gear, quit my job and rode solo across the country. It was the adventure of a lifetime. I started in New York City with the Statue of Liberty in the background and made it to Zion National Park in Utah. Then… well, that’s another story! One day, I’d like to either (a) return to Utah and ride the remaining 600 miles through the desert or (b) do it all again only this time ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic.”
4. What is one thing you would like people to know about treatment at Tully Hill? Or what is one tip you have for patients in treatment or those considering treatment?
“I’d like anyone considering treatment to know that recovery is possible and worth it. We are here to help, we want to help, and many of us have been down the same road. I’ll never say to anyone “I know how you feel,” because I don’t. However, I often say “this is how I felt when I went through what you’re going through now. This is what I did. This is what I continue to do.” My best asset is my own experience and I’m free to use that tool here. I know of no other facility like Tully Hill in that respect.”
Thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty as a nurse. The care you provide to the patients at Tully Hill saves and changes lives for the better every day. We could not continue to serve the community without generous souls like you, Tim!
Check out our Facebook page to see more staff highlights.
