As you can imagine, and I'm sure are tired of hearing....Nursing School has had me totally busy. Between papers & care plans, and class, and homework, and trying to sleep, it's been kinda rough. This week I did clinical rotations at an outpatient Oncology Clinic. Some people hear that and just crumble emotionally. Thankfully, I do not. (Ask me that question again this coming week when I have to do hospice rotations.) I must say, I enjoyed my time there. The 1st day I was in the clinic part; where patients come in and see the doctor, talk about their options, treatment, and any problems they may be having. The 2nd day I was in the treatment room; where patients come for chemotherapy, port access, etc.
I love chatting with the patients. You get such an array. One lady was having problems with her recently placed port, and the nurse was going to put in a med that would help dissolve a clot that could be at the end of the catheter. The lady started crying when she was asking what the nurse was giving her. She said "This is just your job, but this is my life. I'm not ready to die yet." Then there was a patient who was joking around with me & telling me a horrific story about how he was his mom's last child, he was born "naturally", and he weighted 15 lbs. 4 oz. He said "They thought I was gonna be twins, obviously. I wasn't. But, I've got twice the looks & twice the brains of most people." That man was crazy, adorable, and I decided I loved him.
My philosophy is this: I want to give people the care I wish my dad would have gotten the last few hours of his life here on Earth, and the type of care he did get when he was outpatient. You're treating the disease; yes, Cancer does suck. But in the midst of that terrible, disgusting disease- there is the person that has it. They want to live, that's why they're fighting it. Treat them like everyone else. They crave normalcy (for the most part). Give them attention, give them power, and make them feel like they're still alive!!!
Also, the picture I'm including has nothing to do with cancer, but I love it. I took it Easter morning. Quinlynne picked this weed...er, flower for me.
4 comments:
This is a great post, Shandy. I don't think I will do well with my oncology rounds. There needs to be more nurses like you out there for people who need special care and a friendly caring face.
Thank you for this post! Our RS president stumbled across a mother in our neighborhood that was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, but has no family or support to help them with the house, kids, laundry, etc. She put me in charge of keeping up with her and making sure their needs are met. I didn't know how I should treat her or act around her (that sounds weird, I know), so I've focused on treating her just like I would any of my healthy friends.
I have been worried that maybe it wasn't the right thing to do, but after reading your post I think I'm doing okay.
Your patients are so lucky to have someone like you caring for them. You are kind and compassionate as well as being hilarious. Best combo ever!
Hospice was the worst one for me..I sailed thru the rest..Good luck pretty lady!
you sure do know how to make me cry......I love and miss him so much....
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