Allegra Bell
October 2020
Allegra
Bell
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Oncology
UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA

 

 

 

Because of Allegra's quick thinking and unforgettable compassion, this patient was able to experience a moment of relaxation, beauty, and confidence before passing away.
One of our oncology patients was here ending her long battle with advanced breast cancer. She had recently been transitioned to comfort care and was having a difficult time accepting that no further treatments were possible. As a younger woman with highly aggressive breast cancer, she was also experiencing trouble with self-image and confidence. She asked our nurse about any beauty regimens she could receive during this dying process, and immediately our nurse jumped into action. She remembered a local esthetician who specialized in oncology care and contacted her that day. The esthetician responded immediately and agreed to an inpatient appointment free of charge. Because of our nurse's quick thinking and unforgettable compassion, this patient was able to experience a moment of relaxation, beauty, and confidence before passing away. It is an honor to recognize this nurse for not only her beautiful act of kindness but also her constant commitment to her patients and their families every single day.