While health care is important for everyone, it is hard for some to access. That’s why Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics offers care to all, even if they can’t pay. An essential part of that offering is the nurses behind the care.
“Their compassion and superb nursing skills allow us to provide care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Emily Bengle, the organization’s nurse manager. “Non-judgmental and holistic care are central tenets of nursing practice at SBNC.”
Every neighborhood clinic strives to make the patient experience a good one.
Education
A focus of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics is educating patients, so they can prevent and manage chronic conditions.
“Empowering our patients to take control of their health by teaching them about their health in a way they can understand is invaluable,” said Talin, a registered nurse with the asthma team. “Encouraging patients to take interest in their well-being and to advocate for themselves is priceless.”
Both doctors and nurses give information and answer questions.
“Especially for the people that we serve, giving them extra education on top of what the doctors do helps them succeed in their journey,” said Natasha, a licensed vocational nurse with the asthma team. “We are also there to help keep people accountable on their goals.”
That includes helping with day-to-day care.
“Our nursing department assists patients in coordinating other components of their care, including medication management, assisting with referrals to other specialties, and ensuring patients are able to manage their chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma,” Bengle said.
Additionally, nurses are encouraged to further their education, so they can continually offer the highest standard of care, Bengle said.
“I love that SBNC has given me the chance to grow in new areas of nursing,” Talin said.
Personalized Care
Neighborhood clinics are different from big practices because the medical team gets to know patients personally, Bengle said.
“After working at a big university hospital for most of my 36-plus year career, it’s nice to work in a small clinic office,” said Cindy, an RN case manager. “They give big care here, though.”
Because of that care, the neighborhood clinics have seen generations of families come through their doors, Bengle said, in no small part because of the nurses.
“Being a nurse, for me, means that I could help others in their health journey when they feel alone and just makes me feel great being able to help in general,” Natasha said.
And, in a community made up of many cultures, patients have access to caregivers who can communicate with them.
“One of the most gratifying aspects of being a Hispanic nurse at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics is that I have the opportunity to positively impact patients’ lives,” said Joana, lead licensed vocational nurse with the asthma team. “As a nurse, I can provide care, support, and education to patients and their families, helping them navigate their health challenges in their own language.”
Financial Help
No matter a patient’s financial abilities, the quality of care at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics doesn’t change.
“I feel a great sense of pride in giving back to those who find themselves on the downside of life, health, and opportunity,” Cindy said. “I’ve made great friends and helped many patients through difficult times.”
Learn more about the many services offered, including medical and dental care, by visiting sbclinics.org, and call 844-594-0343 to schedule an appointment.
