Over the years, Terri has been able to touch the lives of many patients, families and staff members at IFMC. Working on the unit, we have all witnessed the spiritual link Terri develops with her patients who are under much emotional distress due to their cancer diagnosis, pain, chemotherapy, blood products transfusions or even worse when making end of life care and family decisions. It is amazing to witness the healing environment she creates, most people don't realize that for many years, Terri has been using the healing touch techniques we are now just learning about.
Many families of patients facing the end of life have commended Terri for the caring-compassion nursing care she provides their loved ones. She exudes a peaceful presence, allowing them to relax and be present in one of life's most profound moments. She facilitates spiritual closure for the grieving families, and offers herself on their terms, adeptly responding to their needs with her heartfelt, knowledgeable practice. Even though oncology nursing can be an emotionally draining profession, Terri navigates the rough waters maintaining her positive compassionate characteristics, continuing to mentor nurses who need her, being there for patients in crisis and those at the end of life. She holds the hand that needs to be held, teaches the nurse that needs her experience and lends a hand wherever it is needed. She embodies the practice of intelligent, kind, compassionate care.
Terri is known as the "mother" of the night shift on the unit. In part due to her ability to nurture and mentor new nurses, her positive attitude and kind gentle ways which make her approachable to her collogues. In addition she has the knowledge base, critical thinking skills and invaluable experience that she so willingly shares with other nurses, both experienced and less experienced, which supports the function of the entire unit. Terri is often the go to person when a nurse on her shift feels that "something just isn't right" with one of their patients. She is ready to lend herself to any situation. Her kind intelligent loving presence is always appreciated.
Like a mother, when in her presence all feel cared for. Terri lights up a room with her positive compassionate smile and her caring nature. Her patients benefit from the spiritual connection she establishes with them and their families. Her mere presence relaxes her patients and contributes to their therapy. She exemplifies Jean Watson's theory of human caring by developing a therapeutic relationship with each individual she cares for every time every touch.