Kim - My Patients are My Heroes

Kim -

Audio message from Kim






As an oncology nurse, I work in an outpatient setting, where people come for chemotherapy treatments. Sometimes I care for patient over several days, so I get to know them, and we develop a relationship. Oncology nursing is filled with emotion and challenge, and I find that very satisfying.

Some situations call on my strength and persistence. One lady came in who had been diagnosed with extensive lung cancer, and I took care of her during the three days she was there for treatment."We share what we know, our expertise, and our faith and prayers, but they are the warriors." The following weekend I was working on the floor on a Saturday morning, and I saw that the woman had come to the emergency room the night before. It had been a hectic night, and there wasn’t a bed for her when she got to the floor. Arrangements hadn't moved fast enough, and she had been quite uncomfortable. Her family had to go through the night knowing she was short of breath and in pain.

I was upset about what had happened, so even though I had other patients, I spent an hour and a half getting things straightened out, making phone calls, placing her diet order, and making sure she had the pain and anxiety medicines she'd been taking at home. In the end, all her needs and those of her family were met. They felt good knowing that I understood the situation and took time to make things smoother. Their relief and the hug I got affirms the worth of the time I spent.

I have not always worked as an oncology nurse. While working with overflow patients on my floor, I got to know one of the oncology physicians. Eventually he asked me to join his practice and work for him rather than for the hospital. I agreed to do that, and fell in love with oncology nursing.

I can be a calming presence with patients when they first get their diagnosis, or even before that--which is often a crisis time. Later, I have a part in handling the whole range of their treatment, helping and comforting them through their chemotherapy, which can be unpleasant and frightening. I put patients and their families at ease by informing them about what will be happening to them, and why.

I take the extra time to communicate well with patients, families, physicians and nurses, and I take my role in educating patients and new nurses seriously as well. I thrive on that. And on the emotional level, when patients need to verbalize the fears or anger about their treatment plan, or the diagnosis itself, I am there for them. It's important to attend to the whole patient in order to give the best help.

My patients model strength and faith. I have told many of them that they are my heroes. They're battling a tough disease, and we try to arm them--with information and good care--as best we can. We share what we know, our expertise, and our faith and prayers, but they are the warriors. One patient now comes in to the hospital with a medieval sword, which he hangs on the wall during his treatment.

Power gets distorted between a patient, the family, and the doctor, and the relationship can be less than perfect. A relative of mine had leukemia and she didn't question the doctor or even try to understand what was happening to her, and what her future would be. She didn't want to upset the doctor!

It's true that some doctors are uncomfortable in situations like that, particularly when a patient is dying. They run out of information after they’ve used all their best knowledge and technique. There's nothing more they or anyone can do. The doctor may find it difficult to give the bad news.

This is when the role of the nurse is crucial. We'll say to the doctor, "Shouldn't we be getting palliative care for this patient? Isn't it time to call for a hospice consult?" And sometimes that prompts the doctor. For whatever reason, we can step up and help a doctor who is struggling to deliver bad news by being truthful and direct, in a sensitive way.

Nurses know that patients at this point are already preparing themselves for their lives to end. Very sick people often know that they're going to die. They are ready to look at their options and to make the most of the time that is left. Nurses help them cope and provide the emotional and spiritual care they need.

I think my patients believe that I truly care for them as a whole person. That they are in good hands, and that their needs will be met. I want them to know I am confident in my skills, and that I can be trusted.

Power Strategies: Pragmatism, Spirituality, Inspiration
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