Cancer treatments, both standard of care and investigational, is primarily administered in out-patient settings such as radiation oncology and infusion centers. However, some cancer treatments are administered in the in-patient setting. Some investigational cancer treatments can be time-sensitive and require advanced planning for staffing and coordination of care delivery. Also, patients may experience increased stress related to the possible risks of treatment and uncertain outcomes. Thus, the continuity of nurse and patient relationships is important to the patient's overall experience and well-being. It is important to coordinate nursing care that will increase the patient's perception of stability and security.
A new patient was a young wife and mother of two young daughters. Kristy BSN, RN was the admitting RN. After a conversation with the patient, Kristy discovered that the patient wished to not be separated from her family during treatment and the length of stay. Kristy advocated and spoke with the oncology physician and nursing operations manager to keep the patient on 8LP during the entire length of stay. Additional oncology nurses were added to the 8LP staffing schedule during the 2-3 days administration of investigational treatment, and there was no need to transfer the patient to critical care. This patient and family expressed their trust and satisfaction with their care and experience provided by Kristy during this stressful time in their lives.
Kristy demonstrated empathy and love for the patient and her family by engaging with two young daughters during the days of treatment to provide some distraction and ease their anxiety. The patient's two girls made "friendship" bracelets and gave one to Kristy. "It was a pleasure to give my focused attention to the patient's needs and also including her family," says Kristy.