Lisa, a Hem/Onc APP, was managing a complex patient who had been unable to receive a much-needed medication on two prior attempts due to side effects that could not be managed on the floor. It was crucial that the patient receive this medication as it was the last medication the team could offer for her disease process. This prompted a discussion between Dr. Guest (oncologist), Lisa, and Dr. Peir (PICU intensivist) about the possibility of administering the medication in the PICU with a team readily available to provide expert intervention should the patient react again. Dr. Pier was supportive of the idea from the beginning and despite being busy himself, was committed to being readily available during the infusion. This medication is known to cause significant pain during infusion, and Dr. Merchant (anesthesiology) had already been at bedside during the previous attempts on 4 Henson. As such, Dr. Merchant committed to being at the bedside to manage pain during the infusion as was a pain management nurse, Heather Miles. 

In addition to traditional pain management provided by Dr. Merchant, Amanda Woelk and Megan Johnson with child life were able to take turns at the bedside and provide much needed comfort, distraction, and support for both the patient and the patient’s mother throughout the entirety of the infusion. Also at the bedside, were the amazing bedside nurses, Mary Katherine Kancel from 4 Henson (Hem/Onc/BMT unit) and Monett Jenkins from PICU. They had never met before and yet they worked together without missing a beat, ensuring there were enough access lines and infusion pumps, that rescue meds were ready, and that everything was plainly labeled and organized.  It was amazing to see so many specialty providers come together, each providing a very specific service, so the patient could get another chance to receive this important medication. 

As expected, the patient did react and everyone in the room knew their role and utilized their knowledge and expertise to work together to provide outstanding care which allowed the patient to finally receive a full dose of the medication. When the patient’s mom realized that her child had finally received a full dose of the medication that might keep the disease at bay a little longer and give them more quality time, the tears in her eyes and the strength in her arms as she wrapped us in hugs will always be a reminder of why we do what we do. This is Children’s Mercy.