Nurses don’t just offer their time, compassion and care to patients – they also make a deep impression in their lives. Then there are nurses like Gloria Mewbourne, who go above and beyond to truly get to know the people they care for.
Gloria was recently recognized at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) Tulsa as winner of this quarter’s DAISY Award. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day. CTCA Tulsa is proud to be a DAISY Award Partner and have the chance to regularly recognize one of its nurses with this special honor.
Gloria’s passion and interest in healthcare started when she was in high school. She wanted to do something that was practical and that she would be able to do anywhere. Nursing was a career that encompassed her interest in cultures and global missions.
Prior to CTCA, she worked as a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse at the University of Oklahoma’s Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She came to CTCA four years ago and has loved her work and interaction with patients.
“The best part of being a nurse is when a patient tells you that you helped alleviate their fears, or that you made something very difficult, like cancer, bearable,” she said. “I also love hearing people’s stories – not just their cancer story, but their life story – how they met their spouse, about their childhood, their job, their struggles. People will really tell you a lot if you are willing to listen,” said Gloria.
One of Gloria’s patients shared her experience and appreciation of Gloria in her recent DAISY award nomination:
“I received my first infusion treatment with Gloria, and it lasted 7½ hours. I felt very lucky to have had Gloria as my nurse. She was caring, knowledgeable, efficient, witty, understanding, and made my wife and me completely at ease. Even though she was busy with other patients, she made us feel that we were her only priority.
“Emotionally, Gloria comforted us, but she also answered our questions. We felt that after the stressful month we had experienced, we could take a break for a moment and be cared for. I have requested that Gloria be my nurse at each infusion every three weeks. Even on the visits when she isn’t available, she takes the time to come by and say hello and check on my wellbeing. I am doing and feeling better and I want to thank Gloria for being a big part of that. We look forward to seeing her on every trip, as she has been a calming factor in our lives.”
Gloria and her husband, Kraig, have two boys and a dog. In her spare time, she loves to read, work on DIY projects and cook. They are active in their church and enjoy spending time with friends and family, eating at fun restaurants in Tulsa and traveling.
