I'd like to take a quick moment and share with you a story that happened to my patient today that is a perfect example of the above and beyond care, Deb gives to the patients of Mercy Medical Center. The Cardiac Cath Lab is one of the few procedural areas still located in the McAuley Building and it is staffed by a group of nurses and RTs that flex between there and IR. Deb is our nursing coordinator and handles the scheduling and coordination of the pre-admission testing for both areas. Part of her job is making the phone calls the day prior to procedures and instructing patients on the necessary preparations needed, as well as letting them know when and where they need to go to get registered. Deb's office is located on the Bunting 5th floor and you can imagine my surprise when here comes Deb wheeling in our scheduled patient for the day into the Cath Lab. My first thought was, oh no, the patient accidentally went to IR instead of the Cath Lab. But that isn't what happened. Apparently, when Deb called this patient yesterday, both the patient and the husband were very concerned about how they could get her into the hospital and up to registration, then back to the cath lab since she was so short of breath with even minimal movement. Deb didn't think twice about what she said next to them, "I will make sure you get there, here is my cell phone number. You call me when you arrive and I will meet you at the front circle with a wheelchair". And sure enough, that is exactly what she did. As I took over the duty of wheeling back my patient, she expressed her gratitude at the incredibly helpful gesture Deb had extended to her and her husband. I couldn't help but agree with the patient, that Deb is always so thoughtful and considerate of other people's struggles. Deb could have easily told the patient and her husband that here are wheelchairs in the lobby and they are welcome to use one when they arrived. That thought probably never even crossed Deb's mind. Deb knew she could help this family out with this kind gesture and that was exactly what she would do. Our tests confirmed the worst; the patient has a very, very sick heart and a long difficult path ahead of her. I'm so thankful Deb helped them make the start of their day here as easy as possible. Her compassion most certainly warmed my heart!
This sort of behavior is the "norm" for Deb and not the exception. Every day she goes above and beyond for the patients she comes in contact with. She has been known to spend an hour on the phone with a patient or their family member just because they needed a person to listen and empathize with them. Deb has purchased cases of Ensure for patients who struggle with nutrition and finances just because she can get the Ensure cheaper for the patient. Deb has also gone to a patient's home when they needed help with a dressing change and didn't have the family or the means to do it themselves. Deb continually emulates the values that the Sisters of Mercy instilled in this foundation.