Andrea is an RN in the Pediatric Clinic who has a quick step, ready smile, and big heart. She is personable and likes to tease and have fun with her patients as well as show them special attention. She is a favorite among peers and patients alike because of her efficiency and humor.
Recently, one of our teenaged oncology patients got some bad news about his progress. Andrea decided she wanted to give this special patient some good news and something to look forward to. She knew that this patient’s favorite band was scheduled to come to town in a few months, so Andrea invited him and his mother to attend the concert with her and her family and another clinic nurse. Besides purchasing the concert tickets for the patient and his mother, Andrea also treated them to dinner before the concert. The all had a wonderful and memorable evening.
A few days later, the patient wrote a thank you note to Andrea, stating that in his ten years of being a pediatric oncology patient, Andrea’s kindness and acceptance of him was the most meaningful care he had ever experienced. He even called her “his second mother.” Andrea has continued to call this patient and his mother to check on them as they have gone to other states to seek treatment.
Unfortunately, a cure has not been found, and this patient has faced more challenges and hospitalizations. But, he will forever hold in his memory, a nurse who cared enough to go the extra mile to treat him like her own family, and give him a wonderful shared event to treasure.