Sometimes in life, you just need to know there is someone you can always call for help. As nurses, we have many functions in our daily lives. These don't stop at being a caregiver, communicator, care manager, patient advocate, decision maker or teacher. We often encounter many obstacles in our ability to carry out these roles. As nurses, we don't let this stop us or allow these roles to define our limits.
Marilyn is one nurse that exemplifies this idea. As a mother of 6 children, being a caregiver and teacher comes naturally. According to her patients, if you have a question or issue, she can explain in simple easy to understand words and is always more than willing to go above and beyond to ensure the job gets done. If you need someone in your corner, she is the one you want.
As a transplant coordinator, we become almost family with our patients. We are there with them on day one of their new life, until the end when they either pass away or lose the function of their transplanted organs, until they received their next one. It is common for a patient to call with a non-transplant concern when they feel they have nowhere else to turn. Marilyn will be the first to assist her patients. If they need guidance or just an ear, she is there to help them. Marilyn recently faced a similar issue.
We had seen a patient as a follow up for renal dysfunction (not a kidney transplant). This patient contacted Marilyn to voice concern and frustration for her anemia that she seemed to be unable to get anyone to treat. Marilyn was able to coordinate the care of this patient by reviewing with the doctor who saw her, discussing with insurance and pharmacy and finally was able to arrange treatment for this patient. This patient has many medical issues that have required frequent labs and medical follow-up for years. Patient's local physician was unable to order and follow Procrit due to the complexity of patient's issues and cost, and other specialists were unwilling to order and manage due to required follow-up. This patient contacted Marilyn more to voice concern than to seek her assistance.
Marilyn was not only able to alleviate this patient's concern and frustration but was also able to coordinate her care and helped arrange her Procrit and now under Dr. V's guidance is assisting in the management of her anemia. As a world-class Magnet certified hospital, the following excerpt from this patient sums up the wonderful nurse that Marilyn is and the goal that each of us should strive for:
"Marilyn has a soothing voice and is very patient and knowledgeable. She listens to my concerns, and really responds in a caring manner."