The phrase “it takes a village” has become popularized in our society and through uses across a broad spectrum of needs. Raising children is the most obvious (and I’d say important) example. But from my perspective, it takes a village to treat a cancer patient. During my most recent return to the clinic, after a pause for my vaccine-ing, I was reminded of the attentive and nurturing team that I encounter on a routine treatment visit.
- The receptionist begins the process and makes sure that in fact I am who I am. No good giving chemo to folks who don’t need it
- The intake nurse checks my vitals as well as any concerns I might have with pain, fatigue or even if I feel safe at home
- The treatment nurse and I spend the most time together. They: make sure I’m feeling ok (aside from this cancer thing), monitor the course of my treatment, manage the compassionate and accurate administering of my medications, oversee the progress of that process, and address any other concern/question (large or small) that I may have
- At the helm is the charge nurse, who is ready to assist with special situations, or add another caring healthcare provider
- As another layer of expertise and support, the nurse practitioner brings more brains to the conversation
- The pharmacist is an additional consultative voice in an open and ongoing dialogue
- Plus, Dr S is an always available advisor to ensure that no uncertainty clouds the orders for the day (and beyond)
- I’ve even witnessed situations where any other team member is brought in to aid a patient who needs translation assistance, while the rest of the treaters listen in attentively to better understand the patient's feelings or needs
Are these the excessive manufactured mercenary machinations of a medical money-making machine? No! Rather, the proper proportion of passionate people participating in a patient's punctiliously planned prescription-administering process. (say that ten times fast)
