While Front Line nurses who have been helping COVID patients have been justifiably honored for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices during this pandemic, there are teams of nurses who haven’t been recognized, who have been behind the scenes, keeping programs such as Cancer Treatment running smoothly in hospitals during this pandemic. Julie Scott, RN is one of these nurses. She works in Radiation, Oncology at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI. I met her just before the mandate to wear masks took effect, so I’ve only once seen her face, but I know she is beautiful because a powerful spirit radiates from her.

Before I was diagnosed with cancer, I suffered from PTSD, and the healthcare environment has many triggers for me. Cancer treatment plummeted me into confusion and depression. I had a difficult time emotionally and physically and on top of it, I experienced many complications including two infections after the surgery, severe nerve pain, and a diagnosis of Stage 2 lymphedema, which added insult to the injury of a mastectomy. The COVID shutdown was starting when I began radiation. I had to take public transportation to get to the hospital just as they were telling everyone to stay home. My radiation oncologist at the time was not helpful, refusing to answer my questions about what would happen if I got COVID while receiving radiation. When I went to have my first radiation treatment I found myself alone in a warren of halls and offices, looking for the dressing room and then the waiting room. It was the material of nightmares The Radiation Department felt like a dungeon in the depths of the hospital. I was told that radiation could make lymphedema worse, and I had a doctor and nurse who wouldn’t provide reassurance for me. I was overwhelmed with having to wear gauze wrapping around my hand, and a heavy, awkward Circ-Aide sleeve, with Velcro straps and I was still feeling raw from the chemo. My whole world felt turned upside down.

Julie didn’t work for my doctor, but appeared out of nowhere, like an angel, and offered to help me. She led me to a room where I could sit down and have a surface on which to lie my arm as I put on the circ aide sleeve. She made it clear there was no rush. Except for the schedulers who were friendly, Julie’s was the first friendly face I saw in Radiation Oncology and the only person to reach out to offer me help. I didn’t expect to see her again. After ten days of feeling bullied by my doctor, I quit radiation and walked out. It was arranged for me to see a new doctor. He was very kind and reassuring and as it turned out, Julie Scott works with him! When Julie doesn’t know something, she finds out for me. I never feel blown off by her. Instead of looking for medication, she often has a common sense, home remedy to help with symptoms.

But more than helping me medically, Julie has played a part in helping me heal deeper wounds, of the trauma I experienced early in my life that resurfaced when I began treatment at the hospital. She has helped in ways no therapist could. Her responses to me have been genuine and compassionate. She spent hours on the phone listening to me when I felt completely disoriented by the medical system. If she gets a message from me in the portal and she thinks I’m down or overwhelmed, she will take the initiative to phone me rather than rely on a written message. Because of my doctor and Julie’s genuine concern for me, I have been able to fight the depression and PTSD symptoms. This morning I found a message in the portal from her telling me to feel free to reach out to her at any time. I know that, but it is so nice to hear that from her. She has never shown impatience or annoyance toward me.

Although she is over twenty years younger than I am, I respect Julie’s wisdom. She is an old soul. Some young healthcare providers convey patronizing attitudes toward older patients. Julie shows me respect. My lymphedema therapist told me she always communicates with my doctor because she always gets a reply. This needs to be done for various prescriptions for compression garments for me. My doctor told me he’s not the one replying and making things happen. It’s Julie who is expediting the paperwork. When I’ve needed other referrals, I know she will make them for me. When I go for follow-up appointments, I don’t think of that department as a dungeon any longer. Instead, it’s a welcoming, safe and special place. I feel as if I am visiting my “hospital family”. As I wait to see the doctor, I watch Julie interacting attentively and cheerfully with other patients. When it is my turn, she will give me 100%. She always does.

Julie Scott is a remarkably strong woman and Rhode Island Hospital is lucky to have her in its employ. She is admirable, shown both in her nursing skills and as a person. She has gone the extra mile to help me. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Well, my oncology team, has helped this sixty-six-year-old woman see herself and the world in a different healthier way and that is in good part because of Julie’s caring, reliability, and consistent responsiveness. This is why I feel Julie Scott is a true DAISY Nurse.