Tamara S Waldron
April 2025
Tamara S
Waldron
,
BSN, RN
Wound / Ostomy Nursing Service
Barnes-Jewish Hospital / BJC Healthcare
St Louis
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

The patient confided in Tami and often asked Tami for help in communicating her wishes to her mom.
Throughout our patient’s multiple stays, Tami has been the patient’s biggest advocate and voice. Tami followed her throughout her admissions, helping with wound changes. She formed a special bond with the patient and her family. We have witnessed Tami advocate against doctors and the patient's family to ensure the patient’s voice was heard. The patient confided in Tami and often asked Tami for help in communicating her wishes to her mom. This past week, when the patient developed a massive leak post-surgery, the physician texted Tami to let her know some difficult conversations would be taking place with the patient and her family. Without hesitation, Tami stopped what she was doing on her day off to come be by the patient's side. You could see the impactful emotions on Tami's face as she continued to advocate for her patient during the transition to hospice. Witnessing Tami in the trenches consistently advocating for her patient's wishes is a true testament to living out BJC values and medical ethics.