Recently we had a difficult patient case come to our department under Debra Marks' care. S.Z. (the patient) was a young, healthy gentleman who recently suffered a back injury. He was receiving care at a nearby hospital when he realized things were not improving. Thus he came to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center for a second opinion. S.Z. was seen in our department secondary to ongoing excruciating pain for newly diagnosed cancer with metastatic disease to his spine.

Debra sprang into action as this patients nurse, advocate and saint! She provided a trusting environment, a sense of calm, a place of safety and an environment of caring. The family leaned on Debra for guidance, emotional support and a friendly face in the wake of a devastating prognosis that had turned this family's life upside down in a matter of a few weeks. Throughout his stay, Debra advocated for proper pain management and referrals for services such as social work, patient care management and home care services.

It was difficult for house staff to comprehend the depth of this man's needs because he looked like a healthy individual; a handsome, bright, intelligent and well-formed individual. However, Debra was able to treat past the objective to really comprehend that this gentleman could not advocate for himself as he was still in denial. The patient was ordered for discharge from the hospital, which Debra successfully sought to postpone due to her unique understanding of this patient's true needs (home oxygen, higher doses of narcotics, VNA service and hospice services).

If it were not for Debra's exemplary care and concern for this patient, he would have been discharged before he was prepared and would have returned to the Emergency Department within 24 hours.

Debra has been a nurse at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center for nearly 30 years. She cares and respects everyone she touches. She is a great team player and exceeds excellence in her nursing care.