May 2021
Denise
Tungol
,
RN
ENT/Plastics Surgery/Chronic Pain -- Acuity Adaptable Unit
Stanford Health Care
Palo Alto
,
CA
United States
Denise was able to reassure her, and by the end of the day, they were singing and walking in the unit hallways together.
In March of 2021, there was a young 16-year-old patient on our unit recovering from cancer in the neck. She had been enduring radiation treatment since she was 13 years old and now required surgery for osteonecrosis. The patient had never been cared for on the adult side of Stanford, only at Lucile Packard and this made her very anxious as it was an unfamiliar environment. Covid-19 visitor restrictions also only permitted the patient to have her grandmother at her bedside, which was difficult as she is very close to her twin sister. Denise recognized the stress this young patient was under and made efforts to connect with her by asking about her hobbies and what she enjoyed. Denise learned about the patient’s favorite band, so she printed pictures of the band members and hung them in her room. On one hard day when the patient learned she would have to endure a second surgery, Denise made a point to see her and cheer her up. Denise was able to reassure her, and by the end of the day, they were singing and walking in the unit hallways together. Denise did this even when this patient was not assigned to her. The surgical team expressed that Denise’s support and care contributed to a speedier recovery. Denise’s compassion is incredible, and she made a special and significant impact on the positive outcome for this young patient and her family.