Rhonda M Fontenot
June 2024
Rhonda M
Fontenot
,
RN, BSN, OCN
Infusion
Ochsner MD Anderson St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center
Covington
,
LA
United States

 

 

 

Rhonda called a locksmith while the patient was in infusion and paid the fees, and set up a time to change the locks for the patient!
A patient came to infusion to receive an iron infusion. Rhonda was her assigned nurse for the day. As Rhonda started the patient’s assessment, the patient appeared to try to cover her body while in the recliner. Rhonda asked the patient to roll up her sleeves to start an IV. The patient was tearful and did as requested. Rhonda saw multiple bruises on both arms. Rhonda began questioning the patient more, and she expressed that she was in an abusive, controlling relationship but did not have the means to leave her partner. Rhonda contacted the social worker on staff to speak with the patient. After more talking, the patient stated that she did not have money to change her locks. Rhonda called a locksmith while the patient was in infusion and paid the fees, and set up a time to change the locks for the patient! The patient came back to infusion and left Rhonda a memento for helping her change the course of her life. She left Rhonda an engraved lock stating that she gave her the gift of encouragement.