Patient arrived at the Infusion Center for labs and his regular chemotherapy. When the patient came up to the check-in window, the patient was very anxious and seemed distracted. He mentioned to the check-in representative that his wife was not doing well so he wanted to get his labs and chemotherapy done quickly in order to get back to her bedside in the hospital. His speech was quick and stuttered. Additionally, he was NOT wearing his hat - he always wore a hat. He had recently had a suspicious lesion removed from the top of his head.
Ersie Stone, our charge nurse, was notified of the situation. Ersie promptly went to the waiting room and pulled the patient back to the room herself since the NA was busy with other tasks. As soon as the patient saw her, he exclaimed, "Oh my Ersie!" As she was walking him from the waiting room into the treatment area, he began to tear up and tell his story. His wife, who is a primary care-giver for him since he began cancer treatment, began to hurt in her back a week ago. She went to her primary doctor who performed several diagnostic tests related to her abdomen - which revealed nothing significant. Since that time, she has had increased pain, confusion, and inability to stand or walk. After sustaining a fall at home, his wife was transported to the hospital where she was admitted into CCU, placed on a vent and was diagnosed with a Sepsis from a severe Urinary Tract Infection. And just prior to his arrival to the Infusion Center, the doctors had discussed with him the critical nature of her condition - even talking about the need to discuss end of life choices.
Please remember, this is a lady who had cared for her husband with cancer up until this point. Ersie being the compassionate, kind-hearted, and excellent listener, pulled up the chair in the treatment pod and stayed with him during his entire stay in the Infusion Center. For 2+ hours, Ersie listened, comforted and encouraged the patient. Her attention was totally focused on him and his needs. The remainder of the infusion team knew the tremendous needs of that patient at that moment. And they would absorb anything that came in in order to allow Ersie to stay by the patient's side during his time of need. Many days in the Infusion Center we are blessed to have a volunteer chaplain - but not on this day. This patient truly needed someone to confide in, listen, pray with him and simply be the healing caregiver to him during this time of crisis in his life. Ersie is an amazing example of selflessness and how to make a patient feel truly special and not just another name on a patient list. Ersie knew the real "heart" need of this patient at this crisis time in his life. When he left, he said, "Ersie was just what I needed and I appreciate her taking the time to talk to me so very much, I love ya'll."
Ersie called him the following day to see how his wife was doing. He shared some awesome news - his wife had been extubated. And even though she was still very ill, it was a huge step in her health, as well as the emotional well-being of this patient.