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CYNTHIA SHELL: PORTSBRIDGE HOSPICE
Dying of cancer, Stephanie Phillips, 18, was determined to do everything she could in her last six months. She partied in Athens and went to the beach with friends with the full blessing and support of her hospice nurse, Cynthia Shell, RN, BSN, CHPN.
"Right from the start [Cynthia] went above and beyond," said Patti Phillips, Stephanie's mother. "She always talked to Steph, listened to her concerns and was there for her 24/7."
The family was supposed to call Portsbridge Hospice when they needed something, but Shell gave Stephanie her cell number. When Stephanie called, Shell, 40, came to help.
The nurse was there one night talking and administering medication . When Shell asked if she should stay, Stephanie gave her a thumbs up, sent her home and died in her sleep.
"I'm forever changed by the time I spent with her," Shell said.
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Shell practiced in hospital oncology and at Shepherd Spinal Center before becoming a hospice nurse eight years ago.
"Before, nursing was what I did; now it's who I am. It's shaped my life," she said. Shell has seen a different side of nursing.
"My patients aren't seeing doctors anymore, so I'm the one assessing, and I'm using everything I was ever taught in all my other nursing roles ," she said.
To Shell, it's an honor and a privilege to be part of someone's life for a short time and to help the family cope with death. "If this job were about death and dying, I couldn't do it," she said, "but hospice is about living every day you have -- and what can I do to help you."
-- Laura Raines
Nominated By: Steve Phillips (submitted by my wife)
In 1999, my then 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Ewings Sarcoma. Over the next 6 years she battled the disease 3 times and eventually passed away Feb 8, 2005.
During those 6 years we came across many different nurses who were such a great help, but the one I think made the most impact was Cynthia Shell, the hospice nurse.
In August 2004, we were told that Stephanie's cancer was back for the third time and there was nothing more that could be done.
Cynthia was assigned to be Stephanie's nurse.
Right from the start she went above and beyond. She always talked to Steph, listened to her concerns and was there for her 24/7.
If there is a problem after hours, we were supposed to call the office, but Cynthia gave Steph her cell number so we could call her whenever we needed.
She would always tell Steph when her days off were, and I know that Steph would wait until she got back, if there was a problem.
Stephanie was in hospice care for 6 months, and I know that part of the reason she lived that long is the quality care that she received from Cynthia.
I am not talking about just taking vitals and making sure pain is under control, but caring for Steph and the whole family.
Losing my daughter was (and still is) the hardest thing I have ever done. Cynthia made that just a little easier for the whole family.
She helped my daughter with her final journey, and I will forever be grateful to her for that.
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