Siobhan M Stofka
May 2024
Siobhan M
Stofka
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Margie Peterson Breast Center
Providence Saint John's Health Center
Santa Monica
,
CA
United States
I appreciated just having Siobhan in the room with me. Despite her rainbow mask, I could tell she was often smiling, and there was nothing more important to her in that moment than supporting me.
Hearing my recent diagnosis of breast cancer (with no symptoms and no family history) absolutely floored me, as I'm sure it does everyone. I was so scared, shocked, confused, and felt at times that I was on a roller-coaster ride...until I met my team. Siobhan was the first one to reach out; and from the moment I heard her calm reassuring voice on the phone that she would be "with me" on this journey, I knew I was in good hands.
The entire team, including my extraordinary surgeon, Dr. C, and oncologist, Dr. P, has been an unbelievable experience. To be treated and now under the ongoing care of such world-class, top-notch physicians is an enormous privilege, and I will be forever grateful for their continual guidance and care. But to have my own personal "nurse navigator" (a new term for me) was so very special. We are all used to spending hours on the phone trying to get anything done, whether it's making a doctor's appointment or figuring out a new message in "my chart". The process is exhausting and confusing. But Siobhan, with her calm manner, always answered every question I had. If she didn't pick up the phone immediately when I called, she would always return it on the same day...sometimes in the evening, but she never had me wait. I would sometimes say, "Why are you still at work? Go home; we can talk tomorrow," but she would take her time, answer my questions in detail if necessary, and always treat me with a high level of respect. I appreciated just having Siobhan in the room with me. Despite her rainbow mask, I could tell she was often smiling, and there was nothing more important to her in that moment than supporting me.
My husband attended all my appointments. Siobhan always made sure he was also heard through her competent and respectful answers. Watching her work as part of my team and observing the mutual respect she garnered from the other doctors made me feel proud that she was my "nurse navigator". I have no idea if this concept is at other hospitals, but if not, I feel Siobhan could lead the way. I will always remember my first in-person meeting with Siobhan. She knew there was something very specific (and very personal) on my mind. She walked in the room, made loving eye contact with me and immediately answered my question (before I could ask it).
In closing, it is my sincere pleasure to nominate Siobhan for this Daisy Award as I recognize her exceptional clinical expertise and compassionate care.
The entire team, including my extraordinary surgeon, Dr. C, and oncologist, Dr. P, has been an unbelievable experience. To be treated and now under the ongoing care of such world-class, top-notch physicians is an enormous privilege, and I will be forever grateful for their continual guidance and care. But to have my own personal "nurse navigator" (a new term for me) was so very special. We are all used to spending hours on the phone trying to get anything done, whether it's making a doctor's appointment or figuring out a new message in "my chart". The process is exhausting and confusing. But Siobhan, with her calm manner, always answered every question I had. If she didn't pick up the phone immediately when I called, she would always return it on the same day...sometimes in the evening, but she never had me wait. I would sometimes say, "Why are you still at work? Go home; we can talk tomorrow," but she would take her time, answer my questions in detail if necessary, and always treat me with a high level of respect. I appreciated just having Siobhan in the room with me. Despite her rainbow mask, I could tell she was often smiling, and there was nothing more important to her in that moment than supporting me.
My husband attended all my appointments. Siobhan always made sure he was also heard through her competent and respectful answers. Watching her work as part of my team and observing the mutual respect she garnered from the other doctors made me feel proud that she was my "nurse navigator". I have no idea if this concept is at other hospitals, but if not, I feel Siobhan could lead the way. I will always remember my first in-person meeting with Siobhan. She knew there was something very specific (and very personal) on my mind. She walked in the room, made loving eye contact with me and immediately answered my question (before I could ask it).
In closing, it is my sincere pleasure to nominate Siobhan for this Daisy Award as I recognize her exceptional clinical expertise and compassionate care.