I am a patient participating in a research study at UW Madison’s Carbone Center. Jene has been my regular nurse for my treatments for almost a year now. Jene handles all the nursing duties well. She always seems upbeat and outgoing with me and the other assisting nurses. She stays in communication with my study nurse in oncology, sharing my vitals and observations as to when to start the treatments. Being a research study, protocols need to be followed and documented precisely. She is accurate in recording times of administration and double-checking with other nurses to be sure the correct medicines are given. She is always concerned about my comfort level with shots and IVs. She asks what I need, from food, to water, to blankets if I get cold. I feel special being waited on like that.

Jene often checks in to see how the treatments may be affecting me, and always gives me a heads up on what symptoms to watch for when I leave, and the number to call if necessary. I feel what sets Jene apart is her care and compassion for me as a person. These were COVID times, and no family could join me. She took the time to get to know me. She endured pictures of my family, wife, kids, and grandkids. She listened to my interests in golf, cars, motorcycles, and hunting. I lost a family member to cancer. She found the time and let me share. This nurse checks in on me and chats even when she isn’t my primary for the day.

Jene also became comfortable enough to share some of her life with me. All this leads to a relationship between patient and caregiver that is warm and inviting. She has a great personality, and that makes treatment days a good thing. Happy patients come from happy nurses, which leads to healing. This is the goal, and Jene has the gift.