I truly don't know where to begin when trying to put into words the gift we have in this very special nurse. She has devoted 11 years to the oncology patients here at Mercy Medical Center. She starts her day at 7 am and most nights is still there until 7 pm. On occasion, you will see her eat an apple while reading through her notes, but never does she leave her desk to eat lunch. Her phone never stops as she keeps a daily log of the numerous messages left for her constantly. Her patients adore her and the nurses that work by her side respect, admire, and value her expertise immensely. Her workload is tremendous but she is one who never complains. We never see her frazzled, irritated, aggravated or become short with anyone. She comes in on weekends and holidays to "catch up", giving up even more of herself to benefit our sweet patients.
Recently, a very dear patient to all of us made a decision to begin her journey on home hospice. K and her husband J became family to all of us. We had K as our patient for 7 long years. We witnessed her young boys growing up and always heard the stories of Halloween, family vacations, soccer games and swim meets. The boys are now 11 and 12 years old. K and J would every year send us their family Christmas card to display on our OPC door. K was a patient, a fighter, and became a friend. This is what happens in the field of oncology. When K went on hospice, Hollis would stop on her way home and check on her, offering K the comfort of a friendly face and soft touch she had known for the past 7 years. She would talk, answer questions, check her lungs and offer the emotional support she needed. This was not only for K but for J and the boys as well.
J called OPC noticing there was a difference in his wife and Hollis could sense his fear and apprehension of what was happening. She went there after work to once again offer her aiming spirit, soothing touch, and emotional support. She held K's hand and helped her and her family deal with the agitation that K was experiencing. She stayed with K and helped her and the family as this loving wife and devoted mother then peacefully passed on into God's hands. Even after this emotional event, there she was back at her desk, ready to serve her patients once again bright and early the following day.
This loss is heartbreaking to all in OPC. Hollis remains in contact, checking in on J and his boys. She finds it very important to assure them we are still there for them and share in their loss. We are all so grateful to this very special person who we are so blessed to have on our team. We are very honored to work with such a compassionate and caring individual who is so selfless and giving. This is just one example of the many deeds done by her that go unknown and unrecognized. This one must not.
Hollis is our Nurse Practitioner who even accomplished her DNP from Catholic University last year while carrying this schedule as well. Hollis is constantly at the bedside working with patients. She constantly is teaching, administering, advising, reassuring, comforting, and caring for her patients. Hollis is simply amazing.
We in Outpatient Chemotherapy would like to honor her for this beautiful act of nursing compassion and caring. Hollis is the true example of nursing at its finest.