Teaching at the core of nursing

I’ve worked in the emergency room at St. Luke’s South for two-and-a-half years and I recently had the distinct privilege and honor of taking care of my best friend’s father.

My friend’s father had a terminal illness and was near death. As a nurse I used my professional skills to treat my friend’s father and provided care and compassion for him and his family.

The experience reminded me why I became a nurse. Very simply, I wanted to help sick people. Taking care of my friend’s father was one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever had as a nurse. The man lived in rural Kansas, where resources are not as readily available as they are here. I got hospice involved, something the family was uneducated about and afraid to do. My friend latter told me he felt blessed to have me at the house.

One particular Saturday, I left the family’s rural farm house late in the evening after a courier had delivered much-needed pain medication. I went to work the next day and received a phone call that my friend’s father had died that morning. Although I felt deeply saddened by the news, I had an increased awareness about the difficulties families face during times of need.

I’ve taken my experience and placed it into action to improve the quality of care I give. At St. Luke’s South, I facilitate a teaching approach to nursing. I try to make myself available to students, new nurses and other hospital staff members. I’m also proactive about my own education. I recently went to Anniston, Ala., for training in mass casualty incidents and Hazmat decontamination. During my stay, I was involved in intensive training for the “what ifs” pertaining to a catastrophic event in the Kansas City area. After I returned, I educated the emergency room and ancillary staffs and continue to do so.

St. Luke’s South’s staff impressed me with their willingness to teach me. I am extremely grateful to staff members for taking the time to share their professional knowledge. Every day I try to continue that impression by being an open and available resource to both patients and staff.

By taking the time to listen, I’ve gained an awareness of the difficulties faced by both patients and their loved ones.

Alex Sommer, RN, works in the emergency room at St. Luke's South.

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