As a new RN approaching the end of my first year at Swedish, I will always be grateful to the more experienced nurses for sharing their knowledge and their time with me. I would like to share a story about Jennine.
I had a patient with a new colostomy; my patient was anxious and feeling very depressed about this new change to her body. This was her new reality and she was having a difficult time. I do not recall the reason I called Jennine into my patient's room that day - maybe there was a leak, maybe I needed a second set of eyes for an accurate assessment. But I will never forget some of the words she had for my patient. Sensing the patient's dismay, Jennine had a conversation with her and eventually said something like the following:
"You had a choice, either die from this infection or get it taken care of and have this colostomy placed. You chose to LIVE. And if you hide from the world, and if you don't get back to doing what you love, then you aren't really living."
It was so simple, yet so profound. It was matter-of-fact. She said it with compassion. She said it with caring and respect. And I truly believe the patient was grateful for a perspective other than her own, one that was clearly weighing her down. Jennine went on about a colostomy emergency kit to carry when out and about and other gems that one with a new ostomy might appreciate. She does that. I always see Jennine taking the time to explain things to her patients in ways that they can understand and giving practical advice that likely can't be found on printed literature.
Jennine deserves a DAISY for the comfort she provided my patient that day and the hundreds of others that have benefited from her conversational approach to teaching. She is frank and compassionate, kind and unhurried, knowledgeable, and real. Thank you for being an amazing role model!