Alex Jenkins always comes to work with a positive attitude and gives everything she has to her patients and families. She is the perfect example of what every nurse should strive to be every single day. She puts everyone before herself and is willing to help out whenever help is needed. She is a huge asset to the staff and families on 4 Henson Hall. You can count on Alex to think outside of the box and come up with ideas that are exactly what a patient or family needs in that given moment.
I have two stories that come to mind when I think of the ways to show how Alex demonstrates kind, nurturing, and empathetic care. The first one is right before Christmas when Alex was taking care of an end-of-life patient. The patient's family just wanted to get the patient home to spend what time they had left together at home as a family without interruptions. Alex came in that morning and recognized time was running out and we needed to get things moving. Alex called the patient's care manager first thing that morning to let her know that we needed to get things moving as soon as possible because this patient needed to get home with oxygen and hospice. Alex got everyone involved and had everything figured out in a few short hours to get this family home successfully. Alex even suggested taking the family out of the ER entrance to avoid exposure to more people. It was truly a beautiful moment to witness and made a terrible moment so special and loving for that family. Something they will never forget.
Recently, I got to witness her selflessness when taking care of a patient that has been here for more than six months. This particular patient has a very hard time controlling their blood sugars and has to avoid sugary foods and beverages. These kinds of goodies bring so much joy to the patient and he feels down when he cannot have them. After a long shift, Alex went to buy a bunch of sugar-free options for this patient to enjoy and brought them back to him the next day. Not only did she make his entire day, but she also helped him in his long road to recovery still ahead of him. This is just one example of her kindness and empathetic heart. We all love our sugar, and Alex found a way to make this patient feel like he was still getting his sugary treats. Alex is a true gem and I'm thankful for her commitment to our patients and families. Her hard work does not go unnoticed.
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Alex Jenkins is a dedicated and extraordinary nurse. Having worked alongside Alex for almost five years, she is one of the first resources that I choose to call when a difficult patient care decision needs to be made. She is an active member of the 4 Henson Staff Support Group and serves as a floor resource and relief charge nurse. Her leadership skills have been proven in each of these roles. The first time I witnessed her leadership was during my most difficult shift as a hematology/oncology nurse. I was caring for a patient approaching the end of his young life. Not only did she help me care for the patient during that difficult time, but she provided emotional support for me afterward. It was the first time I saw her strength, staying calm and making good decisions under pressure.
Several times we have worked together in patient care situations that required a team effort. Once, we had to do a manual blood exchange for a hematology patient, which required us to communicate and work quickly without mistakes. Recently, we worked as a team delivering KYMRIAH CAR T cells to an oncology patient, which is a complicated infusion requiring two connected stopcocks and good communication to prevent error. The infusion is time-sensitive and uses the patient’s own t cells, manufactured with a marker that enables them to target cancer cells in his body. There are no second chances, no room for mistakes. In both cases, Alex’s preparation and her communication skills during the procedures resulted in smooth processes.
Additionally, the most notable patient care experience for Alex was for a three-year-old oncology patient and his family. This patient had relapsed several times with refractory disease and required drains, central lines, and oxygen for comfort. His parents had accepted their son’s fate and wanted him to pass away at home with his family. This decision was made when the patient was quickly declining. While keeping this complicated patient’s health stable, Alex coordinated with the PAACT team, care coordinators, home health, the oncology team, and the Emergency Department to get the patient safely home to honor his parent’s wishes. Because of her calm decision-making under pressure and good judgment, the process went smoothly, and the patient made it home to spend time with his whole family before he passed. Alex’s empathy, teamwork, communication, calm decision-making under pressure, and strong nursing skills are what make her an extraordinary nurse.