I recently transferred employment to the ICU within our hospital. One of my preceptors was an extraordinary woman by the name of Pam Lee. Pam is very engaged with our unit and company as a whole. I have not met many nurses who can quote Carilion policies like bible scriptures, but if Pam didn't know one, she can definitely find it. During one shift, in particular, I experienced how caring Pam truly is. Our patient was recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer and had an extremely poor prognosis. Her health was deteriorating quickly and she had only one wish: to go home and be with her dogs. The patient's family was completely distraught, as anyone in that situation would be. Pam not only advocated for her patient's needs and dying wish, but she cared for and consoled every family member that entered that room. She handled the case which such warmth and compassion, and she brought happiness to the patient at her lowest state. Pam pushed and advocated until the patient received all the necessary orders and equipment to be able to leave the hospital and go home to be with her dogs. As the patient left, she repeatedly thanked Pam for she had made her wish come true.
I take it as an honor to have had Pam as a preceptor. She opened my eyes to see that patient care is beyond medications and interventions. Patient care is a matter of the heart. I strive to be as compassionate as Pam.