Terrie Promis, a certified medical assistant and Atlanta Journal-Constitution Nursing Excellence Award honorable mention, is known among her colleagues as someone who goes above and beyond for her patients. “The more I work with her, the more I see her passion for the patient and going the extra mile to make sure her patients are taken care of,” says Terrence Cleveland, who nominated Promis for the award.
The Piedmont Physicians Neurology practice where Promis works treats patients with a variety of conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and headaches. She says she enjoys working with all of her patients but feels a special connection with those who have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “Those patients hold a special place in my heart,” she says.
Promis’ inspiration
Promis decided to pursue nursing after suffering several injuries as a teen and young adult. “Ever since high school, I was known as ‘Captain Klutz.’ I fell, I broke bones,’” she says. “I was watching people take care of me, so I said I wanted to give back. I want to help other people.”
Finding her specialty
Promis specialized in neurology so she could treat patients long-term and watch them grow. She is by their side through painful procedures, such as spinal taps. “They come in, and they’re scared, they’re crying, and I’m there with them,” she says. “I can comfort them, keep them from crying, reassure them and go through the whole process with them.”
When patients return to the office for their test results, Promis counsels them no matter what they face, whether they are diagnosed with pseudo-tumors or multiple sclerosis. “I just love helping people when they feel lost,” she explains.
In addition to caring for patients while they are in the office, Promis often provides information on support groups for their particular condition. “We’re going to go through trials and tribulations, and I’m going to help them get the resources they need,” she says. “I’ll go that one step further.”
Staying strong for her patients
As much as Promis cares for her patients, she says it is important to maintain her composure, even when it hurts to see them in pain. “You can’t fall in love with every patient, even though I do,” she says. “You have to keep them lifted up. But inside, I’m dying.”
She says some people, such as those with dementia, cannot remember her from one appointment to the next. “It hurts me, and it makes me cry, but I know I can’t cry,” she says.
Well-deserved recognition
“Terrie is an excellent nurse,” Cleveland says. “She’s very patient-focused and patient-centric. She really cares a lot for her patients.” Even outside the office, “I’ll help anybody I can. I can’t stand knowing someone doesn’t have anybody,” she says.
Promis credits her parents and grandparents for teaching her to love, respect and help others. “I like to go above and beyond. That’s just the way I was raised.”
For more information on nursing at Piedmont, click here.
Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.