Shari showed compassion toward a patient who had recently received a terminal diagnosis. The patient expressed to Shari that she wanted to go home, but did not feel she was ready. She voiced missing her two dogs and that she didn't want them to think she had abandoned them. Shari asked the patient if being able to see her dogs would ease her anxiety and help her feel better about having to remain in the hospital for a few more days. She responded with an overwhelming, "Yes, it would!" Shari made it happen for this patient. Just over an hour later, the patient's sister arrived with the dogs. As soon as the patient laid eyes on her "babies," her smile filled the room. The dogs were equally as thrilled to see her. Anxiety and fear were momentarily non-existent as she enjoyed ten blissful minutes of "normal." This experience filled the patient with a renewed determination to go home and she was discharged under the care of hospice the following evening.
Shari's peers say she freely shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with her patients, their families, and her coworkers. Patients ask for her by name when she is not there and recall information she has taught them. They say she has a quirky sense of humor and never fails to entertain. They are lucky to have Shari on the Oncology team. Shari's heart as a caregiver goes the extra mile. Her team members say that Shari is the nurse they would want in their corner if things were to take a turn for the worst. One PCA said she is better for being able to work with this exceptional nurse and friend.
Because of Shari's compassionate and caring efforts, her patients experience a level of care that exemplifies the impact nurses have in creating an environment where patients and families feel at home.