ONS Connect - November 2008 - (Page 17)

UPCLOSE&PrOFESSIONAL Holidays Can Be Difficult for Patients and Families [By camille A. servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, Contributing Editor] Lynne Rossier, RN lthough Lynne Rossier, RN, oncology staff RN for Cancer Care Associates in Royal Oak, MI, does not work on the actual holidays, she notes that in an outpatient setting, the stress level increases for almost everyone at holiday time. “I think it’s important for staff to remember that even though we may be working, we will be able to go home and enjoy some time celebrating with healthy family and friends, and we are not necessarily facing the same struggles as our patients and their families,” Lynne says. “We also need to pay special attention to our patients’ needs during these difficult times. Anxiety gets high during the holidays, and the stress that accompanies it can really bring on problems for our patients. I think it’s especially important to pay attention to what’s going on with them at this time. “When I worked in long-term care, I remember the volunteers who came in to spend time with the residents who had no family or other visitors. The visits meant so much to them and to the staff. People have no idea how much a visit can mean to someone who is secluded or ailing. A “Death of a loved one is difficult any time, but during the holidays it’s extremely difficult because people are expected to ‘celebrate’ with others while perhaps grieving a loss. As nurses, we can make ourselves available for the families during this difficult time for a little extra support and tender loving care.” Lynne reflects on the kindness that her patients exhibit. “What really amazes me is that with everything our patients and their families are going through, they always seem to take the time to remember us. So many patients bring food or send cards to the nurses. It reminds me how close of a relationship we develop with our patients and how special that relationship is!” ✱ Contributing Editor Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, is an RN coordinator/project director for the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at the Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office. November 2008 ONS CONNECT 17

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ONS Connect - November 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Lean on Me You Tell Us A Year in the Life-- Month Eleven Put Evidence Into Practice to Manage Caregiver Strain and Burden Web Connect Capitol Connection Caregiver Care New Technique Monitors Patients with NSCLC Calendar of Events Working for You Staying on Top

ONS Connect - November 2008

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