I have worked alongside Cindi for over a year in the LCI Cleveland Infusion Room. I have witnessed countless acts of true passion and love toward our Oncology patients. Having a cancer diagnosis is never easy to hear and having the right nurses here to show love, support, and compassion is of high importance. Today I wanted to recognize Cindi for one special circumstance that stood out to me that I could not let go unnoticed.
I had a patient come in for treatment who was emotional. That day was her birthday and her sister had just died the day before and she was being buried on her birthday in another state. The patient was unable to go to the funeral due to the circumstances of her diagnosis and unable to get out of state. The patient explained how her family was going to try and stream the sermon for her. She was so emotional that she could not attend her baby sister's funeral. Cindi went out of her way on her lunch break to the gift shop for this patient to find a gift for a patient who was not assigned to her that day. She returned with a balloon and candy that read, "Happy Birthday." She had all the nurses sign the card and when the patient left, Cindi and I presented her with this small gift. The patient was so moved by tears and explained through sobs how much this meant to her. The patient was sobbing into her hands because of this thoughtful gesture from our staff.
Cindi is a thoughtful person who puts patients before herself. She is a true example of an Extraordinary Nurse. She makes me want to be a better nurse and strive to be a better person. I have never seen Cindi demonstrate less than excellent care at Levine's. We should all strive to be better nurses and give the best care we can give to our cancer patients and she shows this example every day. This is just one of the examples of true nursing that Cindi has demonstrated. I think it would be an honor to give back to such a great nurse who gives so much to so many others with no expectations in return.