August 2015
Becky
Hutchison
,
RN, BSN
Outpatient Cancer Center
University of Colorado Hospital
Aurora
,
CO
United States

 

 

 

We have a patient from a small town (a distance away), with new diagnoses with head/neck cancer, had a new trach with copious amounts of secretions which he needed help caring for, and needed an MRI of head/neck because providers were concerned about recurrence/progression of cancer. Becky set up an MRI for the patient when he would have a ride to the hospital - only available at that time was 7pm for the MRI but patient would be at UCH earlier in the day waiting to get MRI due to ride coordination. Patient needed an additional staff member (RN and Tech) to help him with MRI because he needed assistance with suctioning of secretions while the tech operated the MRI scan. Becky called the radiology department to make sure a nurse would be available to assist the patient with suctioning along with a MRI tech. Unfortunately, there was no way a RN would be available because he/she was getting off of a 12 hours shift and the MRI could not suction the patient. Becky didn't even hesitate to help out.
Becky contacted me to make sure it was ok to have a patient in clinic after the clinic closed - she would be in my office (across from the clinic room) working on her stuff while giving a place for the patient to rest prior to the MRI. Becky stayed with the patient in clinic so he could get his tube feed and quiet place to rest prior to his MRI - she even assisted in his care because the family member with him was not comfortable/educated on what was needed or how the patient's trach/feeding tube worked. Becky educated family/patient as much as possible. Becky then escorted the patient and family to the MRI. Becky stayed for the entire MRI so she could suction the patient because she knew how important this MRI was to the patient's overall survival and wellbeing. Not only did Becky stay late to make sure things were being taken care of, she took it upon herself to make sure the patient and family was cared for and supported.
Having Becky on my team, I know the patients being cared for here are getting the best care possible!