Lori A Jenkins
March 2024
Lori A
Jenkins
,
ASN, RN
Rheumatology Clinic and Infusion Center
Nebraska Medicine
Omaha
,
NE
United States
She never rushes, never shows impatience, never gives up. Her nursing skills are extraordinary. I often refer to infusion days as my “spa days” because Lori makes them seem enjoyable.
I have been a patient at Nebraska Medicine-Westroads Clinic, since 2000. Officially, Lori is “my” infusion nurse. Unofficially she has served as my friend, advocate, and champion. The transition from being part of a privately held rheumatology practice to Nebraska Medicine was not easy. I had placed all my faith in the doctor and his staff. When he passed and the upheaval that caused …well, it was traumatic. Through it all, Lori was a constant. She grieved with all of us and was a consistent presence. I’ll admit it- I was looking for another rheumatology office. But Lori is SO good, I couldn’t leave and feel well cared for anywhere else.
Lori provides a standard of care that never wavers. Four times a year, I spend a full day in the infusion recliner. Her routine never varies- its consistency gives me comfort. She asks the same questions each time- “Have you taken anything with Tylenol today?” or “Is there anything I can get you?” Little things, to be sure, but reassuring to me. Lori also takes extra care to place the IV needle without subjecting me to a number of “pokes.” Sometimes, this means taking some extra time heating my hand or patting it to get the vein to rise. She never rushes, never shows impatience, never gives up. Her nursing skills are extraordinary. I often refer to infusion days as my “spa days” because Lori makes them seem enjoyable. We have a chance to visit and catch up on our lives, and I still get the treatment I need to function. I often joke that the only thing missing is a manicure and massage. I have had infusions on days when Lori is not working. They are nowhere near the same experience. They aren’t bad, per se, just not nearly as pleasant.
Another way Lori shows compassion to her patients is through advocating for them. A few years ago, there was a mix-up between my insurance and billing. After several rounds with the people in Finance/Billing, Lori was able to help straighten it out, provided documentation, and helped me tremendously. She didn’t have to do that- but she DID. It lifted a load for me, and I appreciate her extra effort. When the clinic was undergoing its transition, oftentimes appointments, doctors’ orders and more were “messed up”. Lori patiently corrected and learned how to navigate the new system and was able to help her patients in the process.
I’d like to say that Lori and I have a special relationship. Honestly, I doubt that’s true, but I do feel special when she’s around! Lori treats every person with respect. I hear her as she visits with every patient in the infusion center. I hear her interact with her colleagues. Always pleasant, always professional, kind, and compassionate. Lori exemplifies the traits of the best DAISY Nurse- compassionate, ethical, and quality care, as well as dedication to service, commitment to enhancing life’s quality and of course, respect for everyone. Not everyone deserves to be recognized for this award- that’s what makes it special! But Lori Jenkins does.
Lori provides a standard of care that never wavers. Four times a year, I spend a full day in the infusion recliner. Her routine never varies- its consistency gives me comfort. She asks the same questions each time- “Have you taken anything with Tylenol today?” or “Is there anything I can get you?” Little things, to be sure, but reassuring to me. Lori also takes extra care to place the IV needle without subjecting me to a number of “pokes.” Sometimes, this means taking some extra time heating my hand or patting it to get the vein to rise. She never rushes, never shows impatience, never gives up. Her nursing skills are extraordinary. I often refer to infusion days as my “spa days” because Lori makes them seem enjoyable. We have a chance to visit and catch up on our lives, and I still get the treatment I need to function. I often joke that the only thing missing is a manicure and massage. I have had infusions on days when Lori is not working. They are nowhere near the same experience. They aren’t bad, per se, just not nearly as pleasant.
Another way Lori shows compassion to her patients is through advocating for them. A few years ago, there was a mix-up between my insurance and billing. After several rounds with the people in Finance/Billing, Lori was able to help straighten it out, provided documentation, and helped me tremendously. She didn’t have to do that- but she DID. It lifted a load for me, and I appreciate her extra effort. When the clinic was undergoing its transition, oftentimes appointments, doctors’ orders and more were “messed up”. Lori patiently corrected and learned how to navigate the new system and was able to help her patients in the process.
I’d like to say that Lori and I have a special relationship. Honestly, I doubt that’s true, but I do feel special when she’s around! Lori treats every person with respect. I hear her as she visits with every patient in the infusion center. I hear her interact with her colleagues. Always pleasant, always professional, kind, and compassionate. Lori exemplifies the traits of the best DAISY Nurse- compassionate, ethical, and quality care, as well as dedication to service, commitment to enhancing life’s quality and of course, respect for everyone. Not everyone deserves to be recognized for this award- that’s what makes it special! But Lori Jenkins does.