November 2023
Elizabeth
Peck
,
RN, BSN, BS
ONCO
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Elizabeth provided a compassionate touch to V's care during our extended stay. She attentively addressed V's needs and went the extra mile to make our discharge process smoother.
Our daughter, V, encountered a tough period when she was hospitalized after her first chemotherapy cycle due to febrile neutropenia. During these challenging days, she required an NG tube to assist in her nutrition and medication intake. While in the hospital, her subsequent chemotherapy cycle was administered, extending her stay. Fortunately, V responded well to the second round and was free from nausea by the week's end. However, recalling the complications from the initial cycle, the medical team decided to monitor her over the weekend. This decision lengthened V's stay to 12 nights—a trying experience for a teenager on the mend.

During the second weekend, we were fortunate to have Elizabeth as our primary nurse. She was attentive, observant, and took initiative in several thoughtful ways. Recognizing V's prolonged confinement and mounting frustration, Elizabeth encouraged her to get up, shower, and take short walks. As a kind gesture, she refreshed V's bedding, adding a touch of comfort with Harry Potter pillowcases. Elizabeth's interactions with V were both genuine and caring. She noted V's tendency to apologize often and playfully initiated an "apology scoreboard" game. She also arranged for the child-life department to deliver arts and crafts supplies. V had been looking forward to a wig-fitting appointment at home, but with her extended hospital stay, it seemed unlikely. With Elizabeth's assistance, we managed to bring the stylist to the hospital, ensuring that V didn't miss out.

When we received approval for an early discharge on the final Sunday, Elizabeth was efficient in overseeing the necessary preparations. Keen to help us avoid post-game traffic, she hoped to have us on our way home before the Eagles game concluded. Furthermore, she made sure we had adequate enteral feeding supplies for the initial days post-discharge. Elizabeth provided a compassionate touch to V's care during our extended stay. She attentively addressed V's needs and went the extra mile to make our discharge process smoother. We firmly believe Elizabeth's dedication and thoughtfulness make her a true DAISY Nurse.