It's understandable as a patient to be focusing on what's going on inside of you and around you during the course of any given visit to the clinic. So it could be forgiven if one were to overlook the efficiency and choreography that is the well-oiled machine of the care team that is managing the medical magic. A cadre of highly-qualified individuals who are working for the benefit of the patients, but also working for the benefit of each other. This chemistry is particularly noteworthy because the “team” can vary from weekend to weekend since they are generally composed of groups of freelance workers from other parts of the campus who are picking up shifts. The lineup is rarely the same, though certain regulars in leadership positions maintain appropriate consistency. Each patient is assigned to a specific nurse for the duration of their visit, but that doesn't stop a colleague from stepping in at any moment to help out - always keeping the continuity of care.
For example: the infusion machines/monitors, have an alarm that goes off if any issues arise or attention is required. It beeps for a while (:20) and then starts beeping even louder like a petulant child seeking attention (mom Mom MOM) if evaluation doesn't come soon enough. The closest nurse will immediately jump on the case, assess the situation (almost always signaling the completion of the infusion), and knows exactly what to do to address or advance the course of treatment.
Another example of effective partnering is the 2-nurse verification protocol required before the administration of any infusion or shot (double-checking that I am the right patient and that I am getting the right medication). It may not sound like a big deal, but it's part of the quid pro quo in place to help each other keep the process moving along as efficiently as possible.
And as insignificant as it may seem, I've noticed that many Saturdays, one of the gang brings in food (usually indigenous and delicious - so it smells) for the entire team to nosh on during the day. The "host" doesn't even know who or how many folks will be there, but the cuisine serves as another example of the collegial selflessness by these angels of mercy in the cancer trenches.
Clearly there is no "I" in team, and that is especially the case with the cancer corps at CINJ that helps keep me cared-for and comfortable.
