Last summer, Nicole Tesoroni, assistant nurse manager of Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center rescued Bo, a Jack Russell terrier and her patient’s lifelong buddy and best friend, from the animal shelter one week before his ill-fated demise. Nicole and the nurses brought Bo to the patient’s bed where he surprised his owner with wet kisses.
Linda Geary, RN was caring for a patient who was about to start chemotherapy and didn’t have enough money for hearing aids and cancer treatment and had to choose between the two. Linda brought in hearing aids she had from her grandfather and gave them to the patient with the hope they would be of use. The patient was so grateful.
These small acts of kindness embody the nursing team at Southern Ocean Medical Center who are inspired every day to do their best to care for the Southern Ocean community with compassion and empathy.
“As chief nursing Officer, one of the most outstanding characteristics at Southern Ocean Medical Center is the vested interest the nurses have in the community in which they live and work,” said Micki Patrick, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. “Every day I hear of nurses going above and beyond to make patients feel special, and no matter how difficult a day may get, they never forget why they became a nurse.”
At the very heart of nursing is the relationship the nurse develops with patients and their families. Of the many nursing specialties, oncology nurses play a significant role in supporting and interacting with the patient and caregivers throughout their cancer journey. Patients treated by the multidisciplinary team in the new Cancer Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center receive comprehensive infusion and radiation oncology services in one convenient location. The nurses and nurse navigators guide patients and their families every step of the way, from the stress of diagnosis and treatment, to the anxieties of many uncertainties, including mortality. These nurses are dedicated to their patients and are committed to excellence. In fact, 92 percent of oncology nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center are certified in their specialty.In 2017, Southern Ocean Medical Center achieved Magnet® recognition the highest national honor awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing practice, quality, and safety in patient care. This distinguished honor is evidence of the dedicated and compassionate caregivers who are at the core of the medical center’s success. Of the registered nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center, 68 percent are certified in their specialty which demonstrates the unique importance that nurses place on advancing their skill and knowledge toward a path of continuous improvement.
Under the leadership of Chief Hospital Executive Regina Foley, Ph.D., MBA, RN, nurses are empowered to do the right thing for patients and their families. They are surrounded by the support of managers who believe in and demonstrate every day the heart and soul of nursing – care and compassion. “When one of our team members reaches out for support, we are there for one another to do whatever we have the power to do to make it right,” says Ms. Foley.
At the very heart of nursing is the relationship the nurse develops with patients and their families. Of the many nursing specialties, oncology nurses play a significant role in supporting and interacting with the patient and caregivers throughout their cancer journey. Patients treated by the multidisciplinary team in the new Cancer Center at Southern Ocean Medical Center receive comprehensive infusion and radiation oncology services in one convenient location. The nurses and nurse navigators guide patients and their families every step of the way, from the stress of diagnosis and treatment, to the anxieties of many uncertainties, including mortality. These nurses are dedicated to their patients and are committed to excellence. In fact, 92 percent of oncology nurses at Southern Ocean Medical Center are certified in their specialty.
