N479 Leadership Management Shadowing Activity Form

Your Name: Alysa Hackett

Date of Activity: 8/12/16

Faculty name: Darlene Lacroix

Who did you shadow (add their credentials too)

Tina Luciani, RN, BSN, CHPN: Palliative Care Nurse Coordinator
Role of this leader and where do they practice? (Be specific)
The role of a palliative care nurse coordinator is extremely unique. When asked, Tina
described her role as an advocate for patients and their families. However, her role includes
much more than that. For example, she implores new ideas and exercises problem solving
methods. Currently, she is leading a discussion regarding the revision of a standard list of orders
for nurses as they withdraw care. At TMC an out-of-date list of orders is currently being used.
These orders are not organized and include practices that are no longer recommended.
Additionally, she leads presentations regarding the use of palliative care to new grad nurses. Her
goal is to educate incoming nurses about the value of palliative care and encourage them to
implore its use. Lastly, and arguably the most important, her role requires her to collaborate with
all members of the health care team as well as the patient. Often a palliative care nurse
coordinator acts as the bridge of communication between the doctor and patient. In high stress
situations, it is common for patients to misunderstand what is being said regarding their health.
That is when the palliative care nurse is best utilized. In such a situation, the nurse coordinator is
able to discuss the clients health beyond the medical diagnosis/prognosis. This specialty nurse
works to bring out the patients innermost feelings in order to appropriately address and care for
the patient as a whole. The rapport that she forms with her patients allows her to be one of the
strongest patient advocates. Through her demonstration of leadership and patient advocacy, I
learned valuable techniques that will allow me to excel in future endeavors.

Discuss the benefit and value of this experience to you (Be specific).
Following the palliative nurse coordinator during a consult, offered me a new
perspective. I was able to discover the deeper meaning behind an uncooperative patient or an
aggressive family member. The stress of a hospital stay has the power to alter the entire family
dynamic. In order to care for a patient holistically, the emotional needs of the patient and their
support system must be addressed. In fact, depression and anxiety can hinder the patients
medical recovery. As nurses in the hospital setting we are taught to be task oriented. Although
this is generally a great quality, at times it can prevent us from tending to the emotional needs of
the client.
This shadowing experience has inspired me to be an advocate for change within the
health care community. I believe that the best care is holistic care, and in order to achieve this,
every hospital needs a multidisciplinary palliative care team. Although I may never be so
graceful in doing so, I will work to implement Tinas communication techniques in my everyday
care as a nurse. I strongly believe that this shadowing experience was beneficial to my overall
growth. I strive for the passion, patience, and kindness that Tina embodies in her every day work
as a palliative care nurse coordinator.
Would you recommend this specific shadowing experience in the future; why or why not?
I would strongly recommend this leadership shadow experience to my fellow classmates.
In fact, I believe it is vital for the growth of each student. Such an experience allows the student
to develop holistically. Although we are familiar with the term and general role of the palliative
care team, seeing their work first hand highlights a new understanding that will help shape
students into better nurses.