Working on the medical-surgical oncology unit can often be emotionally exhausting as it is physically exhausting. The nursing staff are frequently caring for this population at their most vulnerable and life altering times. This care not only encompasses the patient, but the entire family as these two cannot be separate entities. Ironically, out of these challenging times comes the most touching moments and solidifies to the nurse Jean Watson's Caring Theory.

Recently a patient was diagnosed with cancer and scheduled for surgery. The patient decided that he wanted a parade down to the operating room to support him and celebrate the fact that he was "getting rid of his cancer". The family brought in party hats for the members of the team to wear, including his physician. The morning of surgery, everyone in the room donned their party hats for this celebration and to "Make a Joyful Noise". It was a tender moment to visualize the patient, family and care team in their "parade" to the elevators with their party hats on. Jennifer was caring for the patient and she took such incredible pride in wearing her hat and even inscribed a positive message on her hat. Jennifer proceeded to wear the hat the entire day that the patient was off the unit and frequently shared the message with other staff and physicians on the unit. Jennifer has made a lasting impression on the patient and his family, and they have on her as well. I feel this example is one of many that happen at TriHealth each day as we live our mission and experience first-hand "The Caring Moment."