Spring 2011 - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center

Forming Bonds, Forging HopeSSM Cardinal GlennonDivision of Hematology-OncologyIt’s apparent that patient and family care are the mainconcerns within the Hematology-Oncology Divisionat SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.While the reason behind an appointment with aHem-Onc specialist may be unpleasant, the Hem-Oncteam works together to make their young patients’experiences the very best.Outpatient services are provided within the BobCostas Cancer Center at Cardinal Glennon. Smilingfaces greet visitors, colorful butterflies paint theceilings and a large play area decorated withpatient artwork welcomes childrenof all ages. After a couple ofappointments at the CostasCenter, John Mossman, Hem-Onc Information Specialist,is one of those happy facesthat becomes familiar toparents and children alike.On a cold Fridaymorning in January, Johnwarmly checks patients inand answers phone calls.“No problem, I’ll get thatappointment rescheduledfor you,” John tells a caller.“Hopefully the roads will be clearof snow by next week.”It wouldn’t be unusual to find a small patientsitting with John at the front desk while he multitasks.I“My favorite part about my job is interacting with thekids. t’s apparent They come that to patient know and us as family the people care are they the can goto main when concerns they’re scared,” within the John Hematology-Oncologysays.Division at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’sMedical Like John, Center. the kids While are the what reason Clinical behind Nurse an Ashleyappointment Hite looks forward with a Hem-Onc to everyday. specialist “We develop may be specialunpleasant, relationships the with Hem-Onc our patients,” team works she says. together “We to alsomake help their to facilitate young patients’ relationships experiences between the patients very best. as theyfind comfort in each other. The Costas Center is kidfriendlyand provides a lot of space and openness toencourage interaction.”Ashley’s professional connection to Cardinal Glennonstemmed from a personal one. “My cousin was treatedat Cardinal Glennon for leukemia,” Ashley says. “Hebecame close to all the doctors and though it wasdifficult, it was also an amazing experience for myentire family.” Since joining the Hem-Onc team inJuly 2010, Ashley says her connection to CardinalGlennon and the Hem-Onc Division hasonly become stronger.From appointment setting tonursing and physician care,team work and collaborationare essential componentsof the Hem-Onc Division.Abby Sharamitaro, CPNP,is one of the Hem-Oncteam’s Nurse Practitioners,serving as a support andadvocate for the Divisionand bridging the gapbetween nurses and doctors.“As a multidisciplinaryteam, we utilize our resourceswith Child Life, Psychology andSocial Work, and meet regularly todiscuss new and existing patients andtheir families,” Abby explains. “We always takethe patient and their family’s emotional and financialconcerns into account and work to make things betterfor them.”The emotional aspect of treating children andadolescents with serious and sometimes lifethreateningillnesses is one the team must address withnearly every patient encounter. “I get down on theirlevel and try to take the ‘medical’ out of it,” Abby6