A 24-year-old female who was visiting the states from the island of St. Martin for a wedding with her family found her way into our unit family. During her vacation in the states, she experienced sudden severe abdominal pain and was admitted due to a large mass they found and later diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This patient became terminally ill and was on our unit for 60+ days. Palliative care patients can be emotionally tolling and physically demanding to care for. Christine Jean worked tirelessly with this patient, constantly changing her large abdominal dressing wounds and that were always leaking, Christine Jean selflessly would teach others how to care for this patient's wounds as well. Christine Jean even went above and beyond and tried to see if we could get the patient to get outside in her bed. I remember how excited Christine Jean and the family were when the patient agreed to go outside. However, once she gathered the appropriate resources to do so, the patient was no longer strong enough nor willing to be rolled out of her room on her bed. We respected her wishes, of course, but it was a true example of how compassionate Christine Jean was. The patient's family noticed this right away and their bond with her grew from there.
Christine Jean was constantly showing compassion and empathy as she took care of this patient for days at a time. Although, the patient was very weak and at times was barely able to speak, when she was alert, Christine Jean was able to bond with her and found out what her hobbies were. Christine Jean realized that they both had an interest in anime and comics. Christine Jean decided to purchase and bring the patient a few of their favorite comic books. At a time of hardship and weakness, this patient found light and a friend in her nurse. She was able to smile and laugh as Christine Jean read these comics with her family close by her side. The patient's entire family was extremely thankful that Christine Jean was able to find something that brought a smile to their loved one's face.
The family ended up buying a home here in the states, hoping that their daughter would soon recover and be able to start school here. Unfortunately, her condition did not improve and passed naturally when she was in the ICU. Her family found their way back to our unit to grieve with us; they knew we were all rooting for their daughter to fight this horrific diagnosis. Her mother took comfort amongst the nurses, especially with Christine Jean, because she knew her daughter was loved by us. This circumstance highlights Christine Jean's ability to gain trust from her patients and their family members. Christine Jean truly loves the nursing profession and is constantly finding ways to make her patient's find happiness even during their sickest days.