WEST CHESTER, PA — At Chester County Hospital, Christina Ferrarini, BSN, RN, CAPA, is going above and beyond for cancer patients, inspired by her own battle with the disease. Ferrarini, a surgical prep and recovery nurse, has created care bags filled with thoughtful items to provide comfort and support to patients undergoing chemotherapy port placements and surgeries.
Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in January 2023, Ferrarini endured months of chemotherapy and other treatments before being declared cancer-free. Her experience as a patient gave her a deeper perspective on what patients endure. “Having been on the patient side myself, it was an eye-opening experience,” she said. “I wanted to do something for patients to let them know that we were thinking about them and to provide just a little extra comfort.”
The care bags include practical and comforting items such as reusable water bottles, hand sanitizers, lip balms, tissues, mints, and Penn Medicine lanyards. Each bag also includes a personalized note from the nursing staff.
Ferrarini worked with an oncology nurse practitioner to create a curated list of cancer resources, which is now included in patients’ discharge paperwork. The resources cover a range of support, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, and include Penn Medicine services as well as credible websites.
“Having been on the patient side myself, it was an eye-opening experience,” Ferrarini explained. “I wanted to do something for patients to let them know that we were thinking about them and to provide just a little extra comfort.”
Currently, the care bags are distributed in CCH’s Prep/Recovery and Ambulatory Care departments. They have been met with heartfelt gratitude, with patients expressing that these small acts of kindness make a significant impact. Ferrarini hopes to expand the initiative to other departments in the future.
Ferrarini’s compassionate endeavor reflects her resilience and dedication, offering a tangible reminder that the Chester County Hospital team is committed to supporting patients every step of the way.
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