Often, truly extraordinary caregivers do not perceive themselves as such as they assume what they do every day is the "norm". This is the case with the nursing staff in the Bodine Infusion Center. The Infusion Center primarily cares for patients with lung, head and neck cancers as well as a very rare, devastating disease, uveal melanoma. Additionally, the unit does the majority of outpatient Phase 1 clinical trials for cancer. As one might perceive, one must have not only the clinical skills to provide expert care but also the compassion to help patients and caregivers through a very challenging journey. This staff not only does this but makes it look easy.
One particular phase 1 trial that exemplifies the care delivered is a trial that necessitates weekly infusions until that patient's disease progresses. This trial, for uveal melanoma, recruits patients from all over the US. As such, the patients often fly into Philadelphia International Airport on a very early flight, come to the center, get treatment and fly home that night. As one could imagine, the coordination of this care is extremely important. The staff flex hours, become creative and most importantly, MAKE IT HAPPEN!! During holidays, the nurses need to be creative to allow for increased volume with fewer days in the week. Also, since it is weekly and the patients try to maintain some kind of normalcy in their world, the staff try to accommodate special life events and still receive their therapy. The sad side of this is that patients get to know each other very well and if a patient progresses and comes off treatment, the staff need to pick up and carry on, knowing that the emotional needs of the patient/caregiver and fellow patients with the same disease will be a major part of their day.
Last week, there were 2 protocols that had to be done on very short notice, the question wasn't could they safely pull this off, but how would they accomplish it! Needless to say, it was flawlessly done with everyone asking what they could do to help. The passion and compassion provided are exceptional and I am proud to be a part of this truly amazing group of people that I call colleagues and friends!