Marc Pechera
October 2022
Marc
Pechera
,
RN
Oncology
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health - St. Joseph Medical Center
Tacoma
,
WA
United States
He sat with them and discussed everything he was doing, and more importantly WHY he was doing what he was doing.
This Daisy award nomination was completed by a patient and her husband. The patient had recently been diagnosed with a carcinoma, work up for which is still ongoing. The patient and her husband stated that they feel they have limited comprehension of medical terminology and have difficulty truly understanding the plan of care. This has led to confusion, increased worry, and unease that they were having a hard time articulating. They stated that out of all of the medical staff they have seen, Marc Pechera was the first person to take his time and slowly and carefully go over the plan of care with them.
The patient had recently gotten her port placed and Marc went out of his way to show them our educational tools we use for staff to show what a port looks like under the skin and what it does. This simple act gave them a sense of understanding, and comfort in knowing how medication is going to be administered. Marc took his time to answer each question, and per the husband, never seemed bothered if he asked the same question several times. Marc was patient and kind and ensured that this family was given all the information they wanted in a manner that was tailored to their needs to ensure they felt confident in their knowledge of her cancer care. Marc provided handouts and pamphlets so they could read, and re-read information at their leisure. He sat with them and discussed everything he was doing, and more importantly WHY he was doing what he was doing.
Seeing the gratitude on their face as they described the sense of peace that Marc gave them by ensuring they were not confused or scared; was powerful. Marc never got bothered that her husband asked a “simple” question multiple times, and each time, he found ways to provide the information in a way that was easier to comprehend. Marc met this family, where they were, at a time they were both terrified of her cancer and felt lost in their understanding of her plan of care. They wanted to speak about the profound support and care Marc had given them because even writing it down was difficult for them. Marc showed immense compassion, understanding, and patience and exemplified what it means to be an Oncology Nurse.
The patient had recently gotten her port placed and Marc went out of his way to show them our educational tools we use for staff to show what a port looks like under the skin and what it does. This simple act gave them a sense of understanding, and comfort in knowing how medication is going to be administered. Marc took his time to answer each question, and per the husband, never seemed bothered if he asked the same question several times. Marc was patient and kind and ensured that this family was given all the information they wanted in a manner that was tailored to their needs to ensure they felt confident in their knowledge of her cancer care. Marc provided handouts and pamphlets so they could read, and re-read information at their leisure. He sat with them and discussed everything he was doing, and more importantly WHY he was doing what he was doing.
Seeing the gratitude on their face as they described the sense of peace that Marc gave them by ensuring they were not confused or scared; was powerful. Marc never got bothered that her husband asked a “simple” question multiple times, and each time, he found ways to provide the information in a way that was easier to comprehend. Marc met this family, where they were, at a time they were both terrified of her cancer and felt lost in their understanding of her plan of care. They wanted to speak about the profound support and care Marc had given them because even writing it down was difficult for them. Marc showed immense compassion, understanding, and patience and exemplified what it means to be an Oncology Nurse.