Cynthia Dove
January 2023
Cynthia
Dove
,
BSN, RN
Oncology
Inova Fairfax Hospital
Falls Church
,
VA
United States
Cindy’s level of expertise, the way she explains everything, and how she keeps coming back to check on me made a big difference.
Oncology would like to nominate Cynthia (Cindy) Dove for the DAISY Award for her caring compassionate approach to holistic care and her caring mentorship to new nurses and students. Cindy Dove is fairly new to our team, she joined the Inova Fairfax oncology unit about two years. Over this time her passion for nursing and love for oncology has flourished, having touched the lives of many patients, families, and team members at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Below are some patients’ comments, a mere testament to the caring compassion and holistic care she provides every time she is at work:
“During the six-plus weeks I stayed on the oncology unit for treatment of acute leukemia, Cindy cared for me with love and compassion. Her extraordinary care helped me through the toughest moments. Every morning she walked into my room; I knew it would be a better day because of her presence. The dedication, patience, and caring compassion were extraordinary. Above and beyond anyone else who cared for me during my lowest time, she really fought for me and with me”
***
“Having a new diagnosis of cancer is not easy. My wife had to go home and take care of the kids. Cindy always made sure she got an update on how I was doing and what to expect the next day. She even made it possible for my kids to come to visit twice during my stay. You know with COVID kids are not allowed to visit but she made it possible.”
***
“This is my second admission to Inova Fairfax Hospital oncology unit for chemotherapy treatment. Cindy was my nurse for two days, she taught me more those two days than I had learned previously. This time I was to receive Rituxan, the doctor told me this could cause bad reactions and I was very concerned about that. Cindy explained it all, she knew my wife wanted to stay so she asked the head nurse if she could stay. I did not have a reaction, but I felt better that my wife was here with me. All the nurses on this unit are great but Cindy’s level of expertise, the way she explains everything, and how she keeps coming back to check on me made a big difference. My wife felt better every time she came to visit & saw Cindy.”
***
With her positive attitude, Cindy can light up a room with her presence. Her demeanor is calming and comforting allowing her patients to feel comfortable and safe with the care she provides. Cindy develops a special connection with patients, families, and our team by listening, being supportive and providing encouragement. She exemplifies Jean Watson’s theory of human caring by developing a therapeutic relationship with each individual patient and their family. Many relatives of patients facing the end of life have commended her for the loving, compassionate care she provides their loved ones.
Oncology nursing can be emotionally draining. Cindy is not one to complain but instead voices how “thankful" she is to be able to contribute to our patient’s care and improve our quality and safety outcomes. During her first year, Cindy was nominated for “New Nurse, nursing ward”. Cindy has recently started precepting new nurses, her mentorship is so valuable, and her preceptees have commented on her personalized approach to help them be successful. Instead of telling them they are behind with their learnings, she spends time reviewing their opportunities in a way that makes them feel supported and encouraged. Our clinical techs all look at her as their nightingale as she takes time to explain why we do things and remind them how valuable their contributions are to keeping our patients safe.
Her nightshift teammates have also voiced how Cindy is on top of her game with patent care and preparing the nightshift for success by addressing patients’ concerns early and communicating with the multidisciplinary team to ensure everyone is aware of the patients' condition and expectations. ST9 Oncology is honored to have a nurse like Cindy as part of our team, caring for our patients and mentoring new nurses, and sharing her passion for oncology nursing.
“During the six-plus weeks I stayed on the oncology unit for treatment of acute leukemia, Cindy cared for me with love and compassion. Her extraordinary care helped me through the toughest moments. Every morning she walked into my room; I knew it would be a better day because of her presence. The dedication, patience, and caring compassion were extraordinary. Above and beyond anyone else who cared for me during my lowest time, she really fought for me and with me”
***
“Having a new diagnosis of cancer is not easy. My wife had to go home and take care of the kids. Cindy always made sure she got an update on how I was doing and what to expect the next day. She even made it possible for my kids to come to visit twice during my stay. You know with COVID kids are not allowed to visit but she made it possible.”
***
“This is my second admission to Inova Fairfax Hospital oncology unit for chemotherapy treatment. Cindy was my nurse for two days, she taught me more those two days than I had learned previously. This time I was to receive Rituxan, the doctor told me this could cause bad reactions and I was very concerned about that. Cindy explained it all, she knew my wife wanted to stay so she asked the head nurse if she could stay. I did not have a reaction, but I felt better that my wife was here with me. All the nurses on this unit are great but Cindy’s level of expertise, the way she explains everything, and how she keeps coming back to check on me made a big difference. My wife felt better every time she came to visit & saw Cindy.”
***
With her positive attitude, Cindy can light up a room with her presence. Her demeanor is calming and comforting allowing her patients to feel comfortable and safe with the care she provides. Cindy develops a special connection with patients, families, and our team by listening, being supportive and providing encouragement. She exemplifies Jean Watson’s theory of human caring by developing a therapeutic relationship with each individual patient and their family. Many relatives of patients facing the end of life have commended her for the loving, compassionate care she provides their loved ones.
Oncology nursing can be emotionally draining. Cindy is not one to complain but instead voices how “thankful" she is to be able to contribute to our patient’s care and improve our quality and safety outcomes. During her first year, Cindy was nominated for “New Nurse, nursing ward”. Cindy has recently started precepting new nurses, her mentorship is so valuable, and her preceptees have commented on her personalized approach to help them be successful. Instead of telling them they are behind with their learnings, she spends time reviewing their opportunities in a way that makes them feel supported and encouraged. Our clinical techs all look at her as their nightingale as she takes time to explain why we do things and remind them how valuable their contributions are to keeping our patients safe.
Her nightshift teammates have also voiced how Cindy is on top of her game with patent care and preparing the nightshift for success by addressing patients’ concerns early and communicating with the multidisciplinary team to ensure everyone is aware of the patients' condition and expectations. ST9 Oncology is honored to have a nurse like Cindy as part of our team, caring for our patients and mentoring new nurses, and sharing her passion for oncology nursing.