Stacey Houck
March 2021
Stacey
Houck
,
RN
UPMC West Shore, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
UPMC Pinnacle West Shore
Mechanicsburg
,
PA
United States
Stacey has shown great insight to react instinctively in all the right ways and to know when I just needed to hear what every other patient needs to hear in those moments.
Stacey is an oncology nurse at Ortenzio Cancer Center whom I have known as a Breast Surgeon who also works at Ortenzio Cancer Center. However, I never realized how truly extraordinary of a nurse she is until l, myself, was diagnosed with breast cancer and received chemotherapy there under the direction of Dr. L.
As a physician, particularly one who is extremely knowledgeable in the field (given my specialty), oftentimes, health care providers make the mistake of talking to me as a physician only and forget that I am also a patient. Stacey is truly remarkable in her ability to walk the fine line of respecting me as a specialist who has extensive knowledge of breast cancer as well as the wisdom to know when I just need to be comforted. Her innate sense of empathy is the greatest gift she gives patients but she is also extremely thorough in her teaching and caregiving. Anytime I reach out to her with a question or concern, she is very responsive, patient, and kind in her response. I realize what a burden it can be to take care of not only a physician but a colleague you have known for years. Many of my treating doctors/ nurses/ other health care providers have stumbled awkwardly with this aspect of my care. That is why Stacey stands out like a sparkling gem in her ability to comprehensively care for me as a physician, colleague, friend, and patient all in one.
No matter how much knowledge I have as a breast cancer specialist, the emotions such as fear and grief are not diminished (but may even be heightened but the extensive knowledge of all the possible side effects). Stacey has shown great insight to react instinctively in all the right ways and to know when I just needed to hear what every other patient needs to hear in those moments. Her ability to comfort a patient and her lack of hesitation to do so (despite my physician status) shows her experience with such situations but also shows her innate gift of kindness and empathy.
I can tell you, firsthand, as a breast cancer survivor, how awful and terrifying it is to go through chemotherapy, especially during an unprecedented pandemic. Stacey's constant support made this bearable. I am sure she provides the same comfort for all of our patients who are going through this difficult time. She is truly an invaluable employee who deserves praise and recognition for her commitment to excellence and her advocacy for patients.
As a physician, particularly one who is extremely knowledgeable in the field (given my specialty), oftentimes, health care providers make the mistake of talking to me as a physician only and forget that I am also a patient. Stacey is truly remarkable in her ability to walk the fine line of respecting me as a specialist who has extensive knowledge of breast cancer as well as the wisdom to know when I just need to be comforted. Her innate sense of empathy is the greatest gift she gives patients but she is also extremely thorough in her teaching and caregiving. Anytime I reach out to her with a question or concern, she is very responsive, patient, and kind in her response. I realize what a burden it can be to take care of not only a physician but a colleague you have known for years. Many of my treating doctors/ nurses/ other health care providers have stumbled awkwardly with this aspect of my care. That is why Stacey stands out like a sparkling gem in her ability to comprehensively care for me as a physician, colleague, friend, and patient all in one.
No matter how much knowledge I have as a breast cancer specialist, the emotions such as fear and grief are not diminished (but may even be heightened but the extensive knowledge of all the possible side effects). Stacey has shown great insight to react instinctively in all the right ways and to know when I just needed to hear what every other patient needs to hear in those moments. Her ability to comfort a patient and her lack of hesitation to do so (despite my physician status) shows her experience with such situations but also shows her innate gift of kindness and empathy.
I can tell you, firsthand, as a breast cancer survivor, how awful and terrifying it is to go through chemotherapy, especially during an unprecedented pandemic. Stacey's constant support made this bearable. I am sure she provides the same comfort for all of our patients who are going through this difficult time. She is truly an invaluable employee who deserves praise and recognition for her commitment to excellence and her advocacy for patients.