Allison S
Blanchard
November 2023
Allison S
Blanchard
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Nursing
New Orleans
,
LA
United States
Allison and another student not only helped her with a bed bath but gave her what the patient described as a "spa day," lotioning and massaging her and making her feel comfortable, but more than that, making her feel special.
I had the opportunity to witness a connection between Allison and her patient that was touching and brought a deep sense of pride and peace at the same time. Unknowingly, Allison walked into her patient's room after report in her normal cheery way, only to discover that her patient had just been visited by her physician and told that her cancer had progressed, and she needed to consider hospice. The room was solemn, and Allison quickly pivoted in her approach and offered to come back in a few minutes and gave the family some time to process. Allison spent the next two days with this patient doing not just her nursing tasks, but allowing the husband to teach her how he was helping his wife and going with her to tests to give her support. She and another student not only helped her with a bed bath but gave her what the patient described as a "spa day," lotioning and massaging her and making her feel comfortable, but more than that, making her feel special. A friend of the family who works at the hospital also came to me and told me how impressed the family was with the care being provided to them by Allison. Repeatedly over the two days, the patient and her husband told me what a great nurse she was going to be and were delighted about the time she took to be with them and talk to them about what the patient needed. The week ended with hugs and a few tears for both as they knew it would be the last time they saw each other, but the lasting impact that Allison made for this patient at such a critical time in her life will remain in the memory or the patient and family for a long time to come.