JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — In a wound care clinic, the path to healing involves much more than just medical dressings and procedures; it also requires a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

This December, we’re highlighting a nurse who exemplifies these qualities. Crystal Arnold’s quiet yet impactful advocacy is leaving a significant mark.

As a dedicated nurse specializing in wound care at Ballad Health hospitals, Crystal Arnold, RN, COCN, manages a demanding schedule.

“We handle everything from minor wounds and diabetic footwear to major abdominal injuries and ostomies, working closely with physicians to ensure patients heal as effectively as possible,” Arnold explained.

Beyond her clinic duties, she also dedicates time to volunteering with an ostomy support group.

“I love to just be able to help a person through a situation and see them get better, or at least give them some support when it’s not going in the right direction,” Arnold said.

Some situations require follow-up care, and Arnold is more than happy to jump in.

“You get a lot of people who are here at the hospital, and something traumatic happens, they’re on pain medicine, and they can’t remember what you told them,” she said. “So, just having that follow-through when they go home and let them know everything’s going to be okay and call them a few days later and maybe ask, ‘Is there something else that you need or that you remembered two days after you left the hospital”

She said there is a delicate balance between the kind of support needed.

“You have to decide which patient needs which love. Whether they need the tough love, or they just need a hand and some quiet.”

Arnold reminds her patients that sometimes healing comes slower than anticipated, but she is committed to being with them every step of the way.

“Sometimes we can’t fix in one day what has happened over the course of a year to break,” she said. “We just have to take care of our health.  We need to take care of ourselves mentally, physically, spiritually, and just support each other.”