Selfless Acts of Service in Cancer Care

An oncology nurse showed love and concern to her patients as she helped them through treatment.

My first encounter with Jacqueline Lewis, RN, BSN, OCN, was at Baptist Cancer Center in Memphis, Tennessee. I was there for my second chemo treatment for breast cancer, and she was my nurse. She told me to call her Jackie. Jackie made me feel so comfortable and as if she truly cared about me and my wellbeing.

Chemotherapy is a very scary experience, and Jackie gave me comfort. She talked to me like I was family and explained what to expect as I continued through treatment. She made me feel more comfortable about the changes in my appearance that I was about to encounter. I knew what to expect. Proper education is so essential, and that’s what she provided for me.

I think she goes above and beyond for her patients. I look so forward to talking to her and hope that she takes care of me when I come to the clinic for infusions. In the middle of going through treatment, I lost my mother to cancer in April. Jackie hugged me like a sister and gave me such comforting words of encouragement. I truly needed it because at this time, I felt like the bottom was falling out.

I truly believe the God places you in certain places so that you can meet the people that he wants for you at the times that you need them. Jackie has truly been one of those people! She’s a special person and a very special nurse. She is definitely an asset to Baptist.

Showing Love and Concern

I met Jaqueline Lewis, RN, BSN, OCN, in 2017 when I began my first job as an oncology nurse. The first thing I noticed about her was her dedication to the patients and a wealth of knowledge pertaining to oncology. Even though she wasn't my preceptor, she would always include me in learning opportunities.

She was very selfless and treated all the patients as if they were her family. The patients felt very comfortable and safe in Jackie's care, so much so that they would request her to care for them during each treatment. It wasn't possible for her to take every patient. She would always assure them that any of the nurses are capable of caring for them and also great at what we do. Even though she wasn't their primary nurse, she would check in on them to show her love and concern.

She helps patients both during and after treatment. She organizes and raises money for breast cancer awareness. Jackie is also active in the local Oncology Nursing Society chapter and serves on the board.

In addition to consistently expanding her oncology knowledge, she goes above and beyond for the patients. She helps the patients in any way that she can. Whether it be monetary or just simply showing up to important events in their lives, Jackie has always shown up for her patients. Most recently, she helped to provide Christmas gifts for the children of a patient that died.