Our Story: It's not just professional, it's personal

Leslie Waddington (nee Reyes), BSN, RN, our independent patient advocate, brings extensive experience in the health care field since 1998 and has been a staunch defender of marginalized patients' rights since 2006. As a registered nurse since 2013, she possesses a deep understanding of the challenges that patients face in navigating the complexities of the health care system.

Leslie Waddington, BSN, RN (photo by Zoe Del Prete)

What truly sets our advocate apart is her profound commitment to the treatment of marginalized patients. This dedication is not just a professional obligation; it is deeply personal.

Growing up in a household affected by her mother's schizophrenia, our nurse advocate has faced her own struggles and understands the importance of compassion and empathy in health care. She shares her journey openly in her book, "The Zen of Learning to Ride a Motorcycle: How I Faced My Fears, Shifted Gears and Found Healing from Anxiety, Codependency, and Depression"

Having been misdiagnosed for decades before finally properly diagnosed on the autism spectrum late in life, she aims to inspire others to overcome obstacles and provide a voice for those who may feel unheard or overlooked.

"A lot of health care workers forget, that when they are meeting a psychiatric patient in a hospital or other facility for the first time, they are seeing that person at their absolute worst." Our advocate, Nurse Leslie, says.

"They've never seen what that person looks like when they are not in a crisis. Worse, is when a health care provider takes the behavior of the patient in crisis personally. Letting their ego get in the way of providing compassion and understanding."

"The reality is most people with mental health diagnoses live regular lives just like everyone else and manage their symptoms the same way a diabetic would."

"Today's health care workers are overworked and unsupported due to understaffing, and when they experience burnout, they may regrettably become dismissive of patients with psychiatric disorders, substance abuse disorders, and even those who are autistic."

Leslie believes that all patients deserve to be treated with dignity, whether they are in the hospital voluntarily seeking treatment for a substance abuse disorder or have come to the hospital on an involuntary 5150 psychiatric hold.

"Sometimes people will state, 'Oh, they are just looking for attention', and I say, 'Well, yes, they are. What's wrong with that?' I believe that's what nursing and advocacy is all about: giving people in pain, whether it's mental or physical, some empathetic and healing attention."

"We all need a little compassionate attention, whether you're a psychiatric patient or healing from a broken leg." Nurse Leslie says.

"I've had loved ones who struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders in the past, and it's important to remember, psychiatric patients have people in their lives who love them and care about them, too. I honestly believe, the care we give overall is only as good as the way we treat our most marginalized patients."

Leslie has been a registered nurse in California since 2016, and a registered nurse in New Jersey since 2013. She received an Associate's in Applied Science from Passaic County Community College in New Jersey in 2013, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020 from Aspen University. She is the owner and founder of Patient Advocate of the Sierras.