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Nurse overcomes obstacles to assist others  by Cindy Abole Public Relations Princella Lee-Bridges can’t do it all, but she’s doing all she can do. Princella Lee-Bridges, left, confers with CON preceptor and nurse care manager Florence Simmons. A burn survivor and dedicated nursing professional, she will join 42 fellow master’s degree and 88 baccalaureate degree nursing graduates in receiving their College of Nursing diplomas today as part of MUSC’s 173rd Commencement Ceremony. With Helen Keller-like courage and determination, Lee-Bridges lives Keller’s words: “I  am only one: but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do.” What she wants to do is use her own knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to be an effective caregiver and advocate for recovering burn patients and their families in South Carolina. She hopes to accomplish this in a way that defies public indifference towards people with disabilities. Lee-Bridges will be the first to receive a diploma from the college’s new masters in science nurse specialist program, a program so specialized that it’s clinical piece is tailored to a student’s interest and specialty.  “Experience has shown me what I wanted to do with my life,” said Lee-Bridges in a quiet, poised voice. “Things can happen, if you persevere.” A decade ago, fate altered Lee-Bridges’ life. In March 1992, she was severely burned in a house fire while rescuing her daughter.  Her nursing career had begun as a surgical technician followed by an associate in nursing degree from Greenville Technical College in 1988. She joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve and served 13 years as a reserve nurse and then active duty as an air medical evacuation nurse during Operation Desert Storm. But Lee-Bridges wanted more. She saw the need to obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). Life was promising for her in 1991 after being discharged following active duty and marrying that summer. Her previous life almost a memory and struggling for survival from the fire, Lee-Bridges was immediately transported to Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, Ga., now the Joseph M. Still Burn Center where she underwent difficult, life-threatening care in the treatment of third-degree burns to more than 50 percent of her body. After skin grafting, the results of her injuries affected more than 98 percent of her body. Lee-Bridges spent two months in a morphine-induced coma to help save her life.  Months later, she was transferred to burn rehabilitation at Greenville Hospital for therapy and recovery. She soon realized the obstacles and challenges that lay before her as a burn patient and survivor. Her case was so profound that her family and the best caregivers found it difficult to match her needs in the maze of services and programs related to her care. Lying in bed, she thanked God for His mercy and prayed for guidance in her newfound, desolate state. Throughout her recovery, her faith has inspired her to accept reality and forge ahead with her goals and ambitions. With encouragement from her family, friends and medical co-workers, she enrolled in the online-outreach program at Graceland College in Lamona, Iowa. She successfully graduated from their BSN program in 1998. The following year, she applied and was accepted as a full-time student to the College of Nursing’s masters’ program in psychiatric nursing but later switched to the newer nurse specialists track last fall. The program prepares students with valuable experience in research, teaching, case management and leadership. Lee-Bridges’ goal is to become an advocacy specialist for burn patients and specific patient populations. As a patient outcomes case manager, she hopes to work directly with patients, their families, medical staff and community to coordinate care, special services, rehabilitation programs, finances and other support for the patient prior to discharge. “I’ve discovered that dealing with people is truly an art,” Lee-Bridges said. “Sometimes I find myself working a little harder to get people to look past my physical appearance and get to know me for who I am—a person who genuinely cares.” Of all of her classes and rotations, Lee-Bridges considers her recent outcomes management rotation as one of the most valuable learning experiences. For three months, she shadowed and learned from nurse care manager and preceptor Florence Simmons throughout the Medical Center.  Enthusiastic, friendly, open, motivating, boundless of energy and dedicated are some of the words Simmons used to describe her 44-year-old student.  “Princella was so enthusiastic about this course and her role in working with me,” said Simmons about Lee-Bridges, who enthusiastically logged more than 200 hours during their instructional together. “Many students go through the clinical portion and just move on. Princella wanted to learn as much as she could.” Nurse specialist track director and graduate student advisor Tara Hulsey, Ph.D., is also pleased to be part of Lee-Bridges’ road to success.  “Princella is aware of the various resources available to a burn patient, having been one herself,” Hulsey said. “She knows what works and what’s available. Because she’s so passionate to her population of interest (burn patients), she’s very driven. Having this caring piece is the core of nursing. Princella definitely has that passion, which can play a positive role for patients and their families.” While Lee-Bridges gained in knowledge from her specialty in nursing, the college was learning from her. When Hulsey and other nursing faculty first met Lee-Bridges, they soon discovered her physical problems and limitations as a disabled student. She possesses physical scars and handicaps relating to her severe burns. Her short stubby fingers make it difficult to grasp a door knob or write for long periods without difficulty or pain. Her many issues led the college  to accept change, plus help her discover other useable resources like the College of Health Professions’ Advocacy Coalition for People with Disabilities and the Center for Academic Excellence's Writing Center. “Princella deals with her disability very, very well,” said Hulsey. “She doesn’t ask for any special favors or treatment. And she’s been very responsible in letting her professors know of any delays or difficulties pertaining to her work. As her advisor, she’s been easy to work with. She stops by often and visits to keep me informed or communicates using e-mail.” According to Hulsey, Lee-Bridges has blended in with little difficulty among her fellow students and has formed many close bonds with others. “Overall, the general feeling I’ve sensed from students is that of pride, both in Princella’s personal accomplishments and her refusal to accept obstacles to her success,” said Claire DeCristofaro, M.D., assistant professor of nursing in the Department of Health Management and Outcomes. “I believe students feel she embodies the highest professional aspects of nursing—selfless personal sacrifice—to achieve competence in her profession, while remaining empathetic and elevating the aspect of caring to equal prominence with academic achievement.” She has kept a positive attitude and views her adversity as having a second chance at life. “My life these past two years have definitely been well worth it,” Lee-Bridges said. “Life is all about change, although change may not be for everyone. Even a person who is broken-hearted should not try to give up on life. My test has been one of perseverance and so far it’s been a remarkable journey.” Despite her limitations, Lee-Bridges has managed to keep things ordinary. She chooses to drive a regular car instead of one equipped for disability. At home, she loves to cook and is especially proud of her ability to chop and prepare foods using a two-handled knife. Although she’s excited about her world following graduation, she still needs to complete an intensive clinical nursing rotation to finish her case management study this summer. Just recently, she applied to an NIH/National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-sponsored program and essay contest to promote advocacy for disabled populations within communities. Her theme will detail plans of her intended advocacy work to support burn patients in Greenville and upper South Carolina areas—a dream that she’s planned since returning to school. “Princella serves as a model citizen who’s come from a disability, completed rehab and is back to working within society despite her limitations,” Hulsey said. “All of these accomplishments are part of a larger goal to show people and say, ‘I’m still me.’”