When Alice was diagnosed with breast cancer, we all came together to pray for her as she underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. Her endurance and recovery only emphasized the inner strength she possess. Although we all knew she was fighting a hard and enduring many trials, Alice managed to keep a smile.
When Alice returned to work, we knew her presence would once more influence patients in a positive way. One particular night, Alice was working with a patient who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The patient had undergone a mastectomy but was having a difficult time recovering, both physically and emotionally. She had been depressed and the hospitalization was making her recovery even more difficult.
I noticed Alice had been in that patient's room for a long time before returning to the nurse's station. Later, when the patient's IV pump started beeping, I went in to investigate and reset the pump. While I was there, the patient stopped me and smiled. That was the first time I had seen her smile during her stay on our floor.
She started talking about Alice and what a special person she was. Of course, I wholeheartedly agreed with her. Giggling, the patient told me that she and Alice had compared their cancer battle wounds.
Because Alice had taken the time to communicate in a special way with this patient, she had relayed hope and helped this patient come to terms with her own fight with cancer. By projecting such a positive attitude about her own struggle, Alice had impacted this patient in a way no one else could. Alice had restored a sense of faith to a person who desperately needed it. Alice's friendly, caring demeanor, wrapped in her smile and positive attitude, had given this patient the gift of hope and put a smile on her face, as well."
- Submitted by Amy Little, Wellstar Kennestone
What's Right in Health Care compiled by Studer Group
