Donna Bawcom
August 2021
Donna
Bawcom
,
RN, BSN, CGRN
Endoscopy Center
Hillsboro Medical Center, Formerly Tuality Healthcare
Hillsboro
,
OR
United States
Thank you for relaying my concerns from prior healthcare experiences to your team who met me with equal compassion and tenderness.
We recently received a letter from a patient that acknowledged the excellent care she received from HMC's perioperative team. The patient's own words best demonstrate the gratitude she felt for her care. The patient specifically mentioned Donna with the following: "Donna you recognized my internal distress amid the thrum of clinic, thank you. Thank you for communicating with me regarding all the processes along the way. Thank you for only poking me once. Thank you for relaying my concerns from prior healthcare experiences to your team who met me with equal compassion and tenderness. Your light-hearted flexibility makes you a tremendous nurse." In her note, the patient also quoted Leo Buscaglia, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch a smile a kind word a listening ear and honest accomplishment or the smallest act of caring all of which has the potential to turn a life around.” I include the quote because Donna's actions touch on each of these. She recognized the patient's discomfort and met her with humor and a smile. She listened to the patient's concerns and made sure that each team member was aware of them so that they too could provide calming. Donna (and the entire team caring for the patient) truly touched the patient as she ends the letter by stating "even though I was a small moment in time for you all I wanted to let you know how much your care has impacted my life." This patient letter really demonstrates how what seems to be "just doing your job" is so much more than that. Every patient encounter is meaningful to the patient whose life is being impacted.