I would like to nominate Christina Mueller, Nurse Practitioner at C606 (CMH) for the “Nursing Hero” contest.  As a current ALL patient, I can tell you that her care over the last year and a half has been integral to my healing.  Every week when I come into the clinic to receive chemotherapy, her vast medical knowledge is reassuring, but also her commitment to patient care from a holistic point amplifies my healing.

When I come in, she makes the conscious effort to talk to me outside the scope of just medicine and medical care, but inquire about my life, share something about herself and her family, and remember these stories, showing genuine interest.  For example, during my Intensification Phase, I was undergoing some serious negative thoughts; as a young capable man prior to my illness, I was stripped of every aspect of my life from work, finances, strength, and so forth, and in the process, I had a lack of self-esteem and confidence.  I was struggling to find hope or at least positive thinking.  Over the next few weeks, she would share some meditation techniques (breathing), research some hobbies like whittling (wood scalping), and give me personal arts magazines to read.  In addition, we would also share ideas about politics, climate change, education, raising children, and life in general.

These small gestures of kindness and meaningful conversations added tremendous energy, and if I dare say, hope to my journey.  I simply hate coming to the hospital; a constant reminder that I am sick from the visuals, sounds, and smell.  But the time that Chris takes out of her schedule to speak to me makes me forget, even if it is for a moment, that I am sick.  That is a powerful and transformative ability that is encouraging.  Our conversations take my mind off the negative things, laughing about silly moments, and patching me up as I continue down this long difficult path.  I know that she does this for other patients too; her personal touches make the lives of not just myself, but others around her better.  This many not seem extraordinary to some people, but when you are dealing with patients who are given a difficult long path with no sense of certainty, what she is able do within a short period of time is quite extraordinary.  Above and beyond the call of duty.  I hope your team recognizes her and gives her the first-place award as she undoubtedly deserves this.

Nominated by Dave Tran