I have had the privilege of working alongside this amazing nurse for 4 years now. Not only is she an outstanding team player who is always willing and able to jump in to help any of her teammates, but she is also the type of nurse I aspire to be someday. She comes in each day knowing the challenges that she may face, and she always has what is best for her patients at the forefront of her mind. You can see how much passion she has for this job when you sit by her and you watch her hold her patients' hands while they cry, she comforts them when they are scared, she gives each patient the time they need even if it keeps her here late. She goes above and beyond where other nurses may not. I would like to give one specific recent example of why I think she is a DAISY Nurse.
About a month ago a gentleman came in for his first treatment. He is on a tough regime that calls for multiple anti-nausea medications as well as pancreatic enzymes. When he was asked if he had picked up his medications yet because he would need them starting that evening he replied with "I only have $5 in my bank and I am going to have to pay to park when I leave here so I will have to wait until next week when I get paid." As soon as Theresa learned of his situation she went straight to work. She was not going to let this man go home without his needed medications if there was anything she could do about it! She spent the next 4 hours (in between taking care of other patients mind you and still doing that very well) calling pharmacies, drug companies, his insurance company, and any other avenue she could to get this man's medications covered. She was able to get him all his medications and got patient support involved who gave him a gift card for groceries and a parking voucher for the day. She worked tirelessly to make this happen for him and he was at a loss for words. It gave me goosebumps to watch her work with and for him that day. And every time I see that patient now, I think of her. The thing about this patient is that he is just ONE of many patients she has worked tirelessly for. She touches so many patients' lives without even knowing it! She has a drive and a passion to do the best she can for each patient she encounters. I truly believe this is not just a job to her, this is her calling and having someone as compassionate in Oncology is an absolute blessing. I look forward to many more years of watching her work her magic from the sidelines!