Jenni is an exceptional, caring, loving, and special nurse. Most importantly, she serves as an inspiration to our oncology patients as she has survived and fought hard to overcome cancer herself. One patient, she connected with, Mr. RB, had been diagnosed with oral cancer almost three years ago. He had been a patient of hers from the very beginning, and she became his favorite nurse. Not only had she treated him with numerous chemotherapy regimens, but she also sat with him daily throughout and during his admissions anytime she was working, regularly checking in to see how he was doing. When something changed with his treatment plan, he'd call her regularly to inform her if things were bad or good, and always looking to give her that "big, smiling hug" we all wished we could receive. She treated him through 3 chemotherapy treatment regimens, years of intermittent radiation, over ten surgical procedures, numerous clinical trials treatments and saw him through it all. She was always there when the Oncology CNS was unavailable; she took it upon herself to take the time to talk and sit with him, sharing experiences, providing explanations on treatments/side effects, and things to monitor for when he went home. She was always educating and teaching him things he might expect post-treatment, and he would show such thankfulness for her knowledge, time and compassion.
After years of fighting, Mr. RB's cancer had spread to his lungs and required weekly paracentesis. Never will I forget the moment she came to me after seeing him knowing it would be the last time she would before getting discharged to home with hospice services. I witnessed him telling her at his bedside that "they've have been able to treat everything and given me new body parts and teeth, but they can't give me new lungs." She became so overwhelmed she began to cry. He told her "you must continue living life and enjoying life and keep fighting, and know that I will be there with you. This cancer should have gotten me in 6 months; you helped me get to over two years, almost three years." She took his hand and promised she would. It's not often our patient's touch us in this way, but for Mr. RB, he was thankful for her and the time she was able to extend for him to see his wife, children, and grandchildren he said.
Her ability to reach and touch our patients on a clinical skill and emotional level is beyond measure for our patients, and she has this kind of effect and inspiration in many of our oncology population, particularly Mr, RB. Sharing her personal experience with patients allows her to connect and show great empathy with patients and their families, as seen in the case of Mr. RB. Jenni goes above and beyond for her patients, and it is shown in this case and she is frequently recognized for her outstanding care for our Veterans.