Cheryl Co
September 2015
Cheryl
Co
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Head and Neck/Telemetry
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

Cheryl always takes time to sit with her patients and listen to their needs. Her patience and thoroughness allows her to create an effective, trusting relationship with patients and their families. Her colleague states,

"I cannot count how many times I've walked into a patient's room to have them ask if Cheryl was going to be back that night, and the look of disappointment that appears on his/her face when I say "no" goes to show how patients just love her as their nurse."

...

"I had an anxiety attack at 4am and she was amazing at calming me down. I could not have made it through my night without Cheryl standing by my side. She's an angel."

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Patients and families on return visits often request Cheryl to be their nurse:

"If Cheryl is working tonight, can you make sure she is my nurse?"

"Cheryl establishes a unique connection with Mandarin speaking patients! Cheryl is always eager to translate as needed, no matter how busy she is. She recognizes how important it is for patients to communicate in their preferred language and it's clear how calm and comfortable the patients feel with her because of this!"

Her co-worker stated, "Cheryl gives herself whole-heartedly to her patients the moment she walks onto the floor -- even during the busiest shifts, Cheryl sacrifices any downtime she may get to ensure her patients receive the emotional support they need."

...

Nurses throughout the unit admire Cheryl for her ability to practice the "Three C's" with co-workers and other disciplines.

"Cheryl is our go to person on nights a woman that wears many hats such as functioning as a leader, working tirelessly at making the schedule fair for everyone, and always put her co-workers before herself."

"As a new nurse starting the night shift, you quickly discover what an asset it is to be working with Cheryl. I remember feeling unsure and frightened, but if Cheryl was working, I knew I would have someone to go to for advice or even a hug. She never made me feel like a novice nurse and truly helped me grow into the nurse I am today. When nurses off orientation confide that they fear going to the night shift, I always tell them they'll be okay because they'll have Cheryl- and she is the absolute best!"

"You can always count on Cheryl to give you a hand. Cheryl always puts her co-workers first, and she works hard to make everyone feel welcome and part of a team."

"Cheryl is a phenomenal co-worker and such a positive person that she's very uplifting to be around. Cheryl is always there to help. Whether it's an extra hand, an ear to listen, or her vast knowledge to solve a problem, Cheryl will be there. Whenever I work with Cheryl I know I'll have a good shift because I have her there."

Cheryl's energy is contagious! Her up-beat attitude and infectious laugh is present on every shift she works. She can put a positive spin on even the most difficult situations. Cheryl's optimistic attitude is up for any challenge! She's a leader on the floor, an influential magnet representative and overall, an essential team player that everyone wants by their side!

"When Cheryl walks through the door, she leaves everything behind and fully devotes herself to our unit, as well as our institution as a whole. She has been there for me through hard shifts, making me always feel supported. I cannot thank her enough for being there for me."

"Cheryl's is an amazing mother of two young children and still someone who's always working overtime to help our unit when we are short. She's the most selfless person I have ever met. I know when I walk into work in the morning I will be greeted by Cheryl with a big smile even if she is exhausted it never shows."

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Cheryl is known for her empathetic nature and concern for patients and their family members. As one nurse states, "Cheryl is almost never sitting in the nursing station. This is because she goes the extra mile with all of her patients. I once overheard a concerned family member who was leaving for the night say to Cheryl overheard a concerned family member who was leaving for the night say to Cheryl "please keep a close eye on my mother". Cheryl sat outside that room all night; she did her documenting outside of the room and truly kept a close eye on the patient. She is caring, dedicated, and sympathetic with both patients and family members. It shows every shift!"

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Patients recognize Cheryl for her ability to provide warmth, care, and genuine concern. One patient stated, "she was extremely compassionate and truly kind person when taking care of me."

Another Patient stated, "In a hospital like this, compassion is a big part of care, and she is beyond her years in that aspect."

On a slow-paced night when nurses gather at the station and catch up, it's always Cheryl who's missing from the group. Undoubtedly, Cheryl is to be found sitting bedside with patients and family members, talking and sharing stories.

"I remember talking with Cheryl about a patient the staff had grown very familiar with over multiple admissions. Only Cheryl knew the patient had played professional golf as a young man. Not only does she take time with patients, but she has this gift of drawing information that would otherwise go undisclosed."