I am a palliative care nurse who had the pleasure of providing support to a 55 y.o. patient who was here for a bowel obstruction.  The patient had a complicated hospitalization due to advanced metastatic cancer.  During her hospitalization, the patient had a bowel resection surgery done and an ileostomy placed.  The extent of the metastasis made the ileostomy a permanent appliance, and the patient was doing her best to adjust to this.  With a very positive attitude, the patient participated in the ostomy training that was offered.  

As discharge neared, I came to the patient’s room for my daily visit.  She was not her usual positive self, and after asking some searching questions, I discovered that she was terrified of the ileostomy care that would soon become her sole responsibility.  She did not feel adequately prepared for this.

Tami has personal experience with this type of device, so I contacted her and let her know the situation.  Without hesitation, she came to the patient’s bedside and spent an extensive amount of time explaining to the patient the different types of ostomy devices, which to use in different situations, and how to be prepared for the unexpected, “which WILL happen!”  She also shared with patient support services for persons living with ostomies. Tami was the first person to tell the patient that she will be able to shower, which brought the patient to tears.  She made the new appliance less “scary” for the patient, and the appreciation seen on the patient’s face was priceless.  

I left them to talk in private.  When I later returned to the patient’s room, she could not thank me enough for sending Tami to her.  She was so blessed by the time Tami spent and the detail Tami went into to help her to have confidence that she would be able to manage her ileostomy once she got home.

Tami “lives” caring compassion every day.  This is just one example of this.