Colleen Larsen
March 2023
Colleen
Larsen
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Radiation Oncology
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Libertyville
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

She stepped in and was a strong advocate for our family so that my father could get the treatment he needed in a timely manner.
[Many past issues explained in detail about primary care doctor not being able to provide a referral to a RAD ONC doctor for her father. The daughter got a call from the nurse of the RAD ONC doctor who didn't have the referral yet. The daughter explained the situation to the nurse who asked for some time to resolve the situation.]

After talking to the nurse, I am not sure what transpired but within a couple of hours the situation was resolved and I felt like a huge weight was carried off my shoulders. I can't even begin to explain to you how elated I was over the resolve of a difficult situation, I can only attribute the resolve to the form of an angel, this nurse because she stepped in and was a strong advocate for our family so that my father could get the treatment he needed in a timely manner. She continued to show her compassion and care for my father as he often saw her at the radiation clinic.

Even though this nomination form is three years behind, and my father passed away this past July, I have NEVER forgotten this nurse. The fact that I still remember her and am so grateful for her care and advocacy shows what an amazing person and nurse she is. I also know that she is valued by her co-workers and is valued as a leader in the radiology department. While we were at the center, we could see that she worked incredibly efficiently and well with other staff in the department to communicate and coordinate the proper care for my father and even our family. Her care and advocacy allowed us to have three more memorable years with my father. Thus, I truly believe that it is better late than never to recognize and nominate her for this award.