May 2012
Adisa
Cartwright
,
BSN RN
3 Crews Cancer Center
Methodist University Hospital
Memphis
,
TN
United States
Recently we had the honor of caring for a 28 year old mother who had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and had been given only a short time to live. One Saturday while in the Oncology Outpatient Clinic the patient had a seizure. The seizure was long and violent; Adisa climbed in the bed with the patient cradling her as you would a baby to protect her head from hitting the side rails while the family stood by crying. Later the mother of the patient stated, “We felt so helpless.”
The patient was admitted to the hospital that day and it was evident that her time of
survival would not be much longer. It had become apparent that Adisa Cartwright had
become particularly close to this patient. Adisa visited this family every day even on her
off days. Adisa found out during one of her visits that the patient had a 5 year old
daughter and Christmas was going to be bleak for the child due to financial constraints.
Adisa and the nurses on 3 Crews brought in gifts for the child, wrapped the presents and
Adisa took the presents to the child’s home and placed them under the Christmas tree.
When the patient died the family asked Adisa to speak at her home going. Her mother later wrote these words to me concerning Adisa:
“I am the mother of Adisa’s patient who was at Methodist University Hospital for 8th months. During this time we had the pleasure of meeting Adisa Cartwright one of the nurses on 3rd floor Crews Wing. Adisa provided the most professional health care for my daughter, as well as providing a calm and spiritual environment every time she was there. I noticed Adisa’s commitment and dedication to her patient’s welfare which was beyond measure. Adisa has given her time and her knowledge to encourage positive actions toward the life experience that my daughter faced on a day to day basis”.
She is a kind-hearted person and brings out the best in those she encounters.
When I asked Adisa what made this patient so special to her, it was her reply that made me write this letter. Adisa replied, “Every time I enter into a patient’s room I decide which one of my family members the patient is most like my mother, my farther, siblings, or grandparents etc. In this patient’s case I couldn’t find a family member that she was most like so I put myself there. Every time I cared for her I was caring for me.” Adisa said “although we only had an 8 months relationship she taught me a lot, it was like being in school with a really good teacher. I learned how to live fully for as long as possible and to focus on others in spite of what you are going through.”
Adisa truly exemplifies the core values of Methodist LeBonhuer Healthcare,
service, quality, integrity, teamwork and innovation. As the Clinical Director, I can proudly say that Adisa and my team of nurses embrace patient family centered care daily with all patients that enter the Oncology Outpatient Clinic. This is typical of what happens on 3 Crews daily.
Nominated by Sheila Hill Jordan
The patient was admitted to the hospital that day and it was evident that her time of
survival would not be much longer. It had become apparent that Adisa Cartwright had
become particularly close to this patient. Adisa visited this family every day even on her
off days. Adisa found out during one of her visits that the patient had a 5 year old
daughter and Christmas was going to be bleak for the child due to financial constraints.
Adisa and the nurses on 3 Crews brought in gifts for the child, wrapped the presents and
Adisa took the presents to the child’s home and placed them under the Christmas tree.
When the patient died the family asked Adisa to speak at her home going. Her mother later wrote these words to me concerning Adisa:
“I am the mother of Adisa’s patient who was at Methodist University Hospital for 8th months. During this time we had the pleasure of meeting Adisa Cartwright one of the nurses on 3rd floor Crews Wing. Adisa provided the most professional health care for my daughter, as well as providing a calm and spiritual environment every time she was there. I noticed Adisa’s commitment and dedication to her patient’s welfare which was beyond measure. Adisa has given her time and her knowledge to encourage positive actions toward the life experience that my daughter faced on a day to day basis”.
She is a kind-hearted person and brings out the best in those she encounters.
When I asked Adisa what made this patient so special to her, it was her reply that made me write this letter. Adisa replied, “Every time I enter into a patient’s room I decide which one of my family members the patient is most like my mother, my farther, siblings, or grandparents etc. In this patient’s case I couldn’t find a family member that she was most like so I put myself there. Every time I cared for her I was caring for me.” Adisa said “although we only had an 8 months relationship she taught me a lot, it was like being in school with a really good teacher. I learned how to live fully for as long as possible and to focus on others in spite of what you are going through.”
Adisa truly exemplifies the core values of Methodist LeBonhuer Healthcare,
service, quality, integrity, teamwork and innovation. As the Clinical Director, I can proudly say that Adisa and my team of nurses embrace patient family centered care daily with all patients that enter the Oncology Outpatient Clinic. This is typical of what happens on 3 Crews daily.
Nominated by Sheila Hill Jordan