The Extra Mile

As a nurse of 34 years, I have gone above and beyond for many patients. This article is a true account of one of these times; an example of why nursing is not just a job, it is commitment to a lifetime of caring. The names and places have been changed to protect patient privacy.

The Extra Mile

Oh No...

Mrs. Benshaw was crying uncontrollably. Mr. Benshaw kept repeating, " what are we going to do?" His voice quivering. He had his chemotherapy delayed until Friday, due to neutropenia. He normally received treatment on Wednesdays, allowing enough time for Fed Ex to deliver his growth-stimulating factor (GSF) medication that he administered to himself the three days after his chemotherapy treatments, thus preventing the dire consequence of a possible life-threatening neutropenic fever. Unfortunately, since his treatment was changed to Friday when I called Fed Ex for delivery of his medication, they informed me they do not deliver to the rural towns on Saturdays.

"Oh, this can't be happening!", Mrs. Benshaw was now hysterical. "The last time he couldn't get his medicine because of a hurricane, he ended up being taken to the hospital in an ambulance and spent four days in the ICU with a fever." What are we going to do?"

Ironically, a tropical storm was on its way that coming weekend.

Think Fran, think-what could be done? I did not want him to end up in the ICU again fighting for his life. I got an idea! The Fed Ex in the city near where I lived delivers to that hub on Saturday mornings. I will drive there and pick up the medicine and take it to him! I realized the Benshaw's would not be able to drive all the way to the Fed Ex office to pick it up, especially with bad weather on the way.

The Mission...

"I have an idea," excited to let them know they would be able to get the medicine. "I will drive into Jacksville, pick up the medication there, and then deliver it to you in Trentan."

"Oh, no Fran, we could never ask you to do that, especially with a storm coming, and it is your day off! " Mrs. Benshaw exclaimed.

"I called Fed Ex already; I am picking up the package at 10:00 tomorrow morning." I will bring it to Trentan by 11:00."

Mrs. Benshaw gave me a big hug, still crying, "I don't know how we can ever thank you." We will meet you in Trentan at the post office at 11:00."

I started out to Jacksville Saturday morning, 20 miles from my home; it was raining, but not anything unusual, at this point. I picked up the package and started the drive to Trentan, 40 miles from Jacksville.

The rain was now getting worse, but I could still drive without concern. I got to Trentan delivered the medication and headed the 25 miles back to my house.

Mission accomplished! Now, it was raining cats and dogs, and the weather service warned of the oncoming storm. Luckily, I was a home health nurse, before I was an oncology nurse, so I had nerves of steel to drive in bad weather.

Ten more miles to go- some of the roads in the country-side were beginning to flood, but I knew a way around them. Five more miles to go, the storm is now just about over my home town. I was praying to get home before it got worse.

Mission Accomplished...

Made it home! Whew! The storm passed, and I just happened to look out the window, to see a huge rainbow over my house-almost like a sign! I was so relieved that Mr. Benshaw got his medicine, and I got home safely.

As a nurse, there are times you just know you have to take a chance and go that extra mile, or maybe even 85 of them!

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fbrandt18

About fbrandt18

I have been a nurse for 34 years, 10 of them as an oncology nurse. I just wanted to share one of my many experiences of going that extra mile for the people we care for, and so much about.

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That was a great story. Thanks for sharing.

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