Oncology nursing is truly its own specialty. You either have the compassion, clinical expertise,and dedication to the delivery of patient-family centered care at the mostvulnerable time inpeople's lives, or you don't. One such passionate individual has devotedher entire career, 34 years, to oncologynursing at Harrison, serving both in theinpatient Oncology unit and in the RadiationOncology department.
When asked who exemplifies our unit culture ofexcellence in oncology nursing, as well as a colleague who you look forward to working with because of their terrific sense of humor, Sherry's name was the first on everyone's list.
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Sherry likes to get things right! When she learned of recent unit core measure documentation fall-outs in VTE prophylaxis, CHF teaching, and vaccination records, she took it upon herself to immediately learn the correct way of doing things in avery proactive fashion. Moreover, without being asked, she instructed her colleagues on what to do to avoid these fallouts and to ensure delivery of safe patient care and attainment of high quality outcomes.
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Sherry enjoys mentoring her peers and being viewed as a clinical resource. Her time spent with Radiation Oncology fostered her expertise in management of radiation-induced dermatologic toxicities. She is our go-to guru for radiation skin changes.
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Sherry is also an expert in end-of-life care. Realizing that the time for high-tech interventions has faded, she kicks in high-touch gear and provides the type of comfort care measures you would want for your own family members. Oral care,bathing, repositioning, pain management, and a quiet reassuring presence when there are no words to say are hallmarks of Sherry's instinctive care delivery during this sacred journey along the cancer continuum. Families return to the unit to thank her for not only her expert care but also facilitation of a good death for loved ones.
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Sherry is known for having a huge and loving heart. Although she shies away from compliments and does not seek praise for her actions, she is the ultimate patient advocate. If her patient is in distress, she is relentless in her pursuit of alleviation ofsuffering through consultation with the primary providers, palliative care medicine, integrative therapy, physical therapy, spiritual care,or whatever discipline is needed.
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Sherry is an active, engaged member of our unit council. Through her sage advice and witty take on challenging unit issues, we have made much progress in improving patient processes and workflow. Whenever council members get discouraged, she
brightens the mood with a smile and a joke to get our momentum back on track!
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Sherry also pursues professional knowledge and continuing education to enhance her clinical expertise, such as the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Administration Course and year-end education days. She is certified by ONS as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) and is a resource to peers who are administering highly toxic, high-risk medications such as chemotherapy, biotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Patients and families mention Sherry by name in the Press Ganey unit-specific comments. They applaud her caring, gentle demeanor and ability to exceed their expectations whether in pain management, safe care delivery, or addressing end-of-life issues. Patients and families alike are reassured by Sherry's calm and expert care culled from years of experience.
Sherry is a DAISY Nurse! She is a shining example of oncology nursing and is truly deserving of this recognition. Compassionate care and clinical excellence are the pillars of performance for both Sherry and the DAISY award.