The Heart of Healing: Honoring Our Nurses at Hidden River

At Hidden River, healing is shaped by the people who show up each day with patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. In honor of National Nurses Week (May 6th through 12th), we’re proud to highlight two of our nurses — Priya Amin and Kayley Santos — whose work plays a vital role in our patients’ recovery journeys. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to care for individuals navigating eating disorders. 

To celebrate National Nurses Week, we’re grateful to introduce two of the nurses at Hidden River: Priya Amin and Kayley Santos.

Our Interview with Priya Amin

What inspired you to become a nurse?

My inspiration for becoming a nurse was deep admiration for those who made their life about caring for and helping others. As a young child, I was a caretaker by nature, so becoming a nurse aligned with my values and who I was as a human being.

What led you to specialize in eating disorder care?

In my nursing practice, I have been told that I have a patient and empathetic way about me. This aspect of me fits right in with the eating disorder population. Eating disorders weren’t talked about when I was growing up, but nowadays, thankfully, there are more resources and help available for those suffering from them. I found this subject matter interesting and eye-opening, which is how I found my way to Hidden River.

What is something you wish more people (patients, family members, and/or providers) understood about eating disorder recovery? 

I wish that both patients and family members understood that recovery is a process that shouldn’t be rushed, that eating disorders aren’t just about food, weight, or being skinny, and that recovery involves many aspects of care. Recovery may not be linear. It will take time to understand the issues involved and to make positive changes for the long haul.

What is most rewarding about walking alongside patients in their recovery journey?

So many aspects are rewarding when it comes to walking alongside patients in their recovery. Watching a patient come into Hidden River, sometimes broken, and then seeing them leave with a sense of hope and promise is wonderful. Being a small part of the reason that they develop healthy relationships with food and face the issues they need to address is a privilege. 

What makes Hidden River a special place to work? 

Hidden River is a facility that provides nonjudgmental and compassionate care for young girls and women. The environment provides peace and a sense of calm to facilitate healing. The staff is supportive of each other and the patients, making it a special place to work.

How do you collaborate with therapists, dietitians, and other team members? How does the team support one another?

Staff communication amongst departments is essential in this type of facility. Hidden River facilitates this in many ways. Communication between nurses, therapists, dieticians, physicians, and other team members is done either verbally or via email, text, or phone call. Staff members never hesitate to report behaviors as needed. In addition, Hidden River has daily flash meeting phone calls, during which members of different disciplines discuss each patient and report anything of significance. This is a way to ensure members of the team are on the same page. 

What have you learned from your patients?

My patients have taught me about true courage and resilience. I’ve learned that each individual’s story is different and that being open-minded is key.

What advice would you give to nurses interested in this field?

My advice would be to expand your knowledge base and research the different eating disorders to understand the depth of care needed.

What’s your favorite part of your day-to-day work?

Walking into work and being greeted by the patients and staff you’ve come to know very well always lifts my spirit. Hearing, “Hi, Priya!” each time I walk through the door makes me realize I’m valued here as a nurse.

Finally, share three words to describe your work at Hidden River.

Meaningful, special, and relevant. 

Our Interview with Kayley Santos

What inspired you to become a nurse?

When I was in elementary school, my grandma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and she was in the hospital frequently for chemo treatments and other medical complications. I remember, when visiting her, the nurses would sometimes bring me to the nursing station, print out coloring sheets, and color with me. Despite all the fear and worry for my grandma, the nurses were the ones who made the hospital not so scary, and I remember wanting to be like them.

What led you to specialize in eating disorder care?

I’ve known since nursing school that I wanted to work in mental health, but I also really enjoy the medical aspects of nursing as well. I think working in eating disorder care called to me because I get to help patients with the mental health side of their eating disorders while also treating the medical complications that can come from them.

What is something you wish more people (patients, family members, and/or providers) understood about eating disorder recovery?

I wish more people understood that eating disorder recovery is hard, and that those who are in recovery are working so hard every day to get through it. A little support for them goes a long way in the recovery journey. I also wish for patients in early recovery to understand that it won’t be this hard forever and that recovery isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, but recovery is worth more than an eating disorder ever will be. 

What is most rewarding about walking alongside patients in their recovery journey?

The most rewarding aspect of working with patients is seeing their growth throughout early recovery, from admission to discharge. Watching the patients learn the skills they need to fight their illness, persevere through it, and become stronger is a beautiful thing to see. It’s really rewarding to be part of that journey with them.

What makes Hidden River a special place to work?

Hidden River is special because everyone there works really hard to make sure the patients get the best, individualized care.

How do you collaborate with therapists, dietitians, and other team members? How does the team support one another?

Every person in a patient’s treatment team is essential to recovery. The nurses keep in touch with the doctors about how the patients are tolerating their medications or any other medical concerns. We also collaborate with the therapists and dietitians on whether the patients are feeling more depressed or anxious or struggling with meals. 

In turn, the therapists and dietitians let the nurses know about the ways we can support the patients throughout the day since the nurses are there 24/7. We’re always in constant communication with each other so that each patient gets comprehensive care.

What have you learned from your patients?

I’ve learned from my patients that we can all do hard things. No matter how bad things can get or how difficult the day is, we all have the strength to do the hard things anyway. 

What advice would you give to nurses interested in this field?

My advice to other nurses interested in this field is to really listen. Sometimes, the patients need to just have someone to listen to them, whether it’s checking in about something they’re struggling with or venting about a tough situation. 

My other piece of advice is to have fun and be a little silly with the patients! As much as we’re there to monitor them medically, we’re also there to be a supportive person in their recovery, and sometimes, that means being silly and goofy with them, like playing games or talking about celebrity gossip.

What’s your favorite part of your day-to-day work?

My favorite part of the day-to-day is just chatting with patients and learning about them and their interests. Whether it’s talking about their favorite music, animals, or hobbies, it’s really nice to get to know them.

Finally, share three words to describe your work at Hidden River.

Rewarding, supportive, and engaging.

Please join us as we celebrate the contributions of Priya, Kayley, and the rest of the nurses at Hidden River!

To learn more about Hidden River, visit our website or contact us at info@hiddenriverhealing.com.