J.K. is a young adult woman who was referred to palliative care with a very serious and aggressive recurrence of her cancer. She was facing a cord blood transplant with very small chance of survival. As an ARNP, I met J.K. and had followed along with her for many months. She had difficulty developing trusting relationships with providers and despite my best efforts; I was feeling that she was not receiving the support I was trying to provide.
Judy has a strong interest and passion for working with young adults, and I reached out to her for her wisdom on how best to support J.K. Over the past months Judy has devoted much time and energy to building this relationship with J.K. Judy consistently checks in with her, visiting her, spending time with her. Through conversation, interactive activities, open conversation, and consistency in her presence Judy has done an incredible job of building a trusting and supportive relationship with J.K. We have witnessed a very shy, withdrawn young woman; share her fears, hopes, and deepest fears about end of life with Judy. It is clear she not only trusts, Judy, she looks forward to her visits with her. In areas where many others have not been able to connect with her, Judy has made incredible strides. She has developed a meaningful relationship through her presence, skill set, and outstanding support of J.K. She has also been able to help other providers caring for J.K. understand how best to connect with her. In this example, and so many others, Judy has demonstrated what a caring, skillful, and compassionate nurse she is.