John Opolski, RN, an infusion nurse on Yawkey 8 in the Mass General Cancer Center, often sees patients on their hardest days. Patients preparing for another treatment during a long illness can be anxious about their prognosis, feel emotional or just be in need of comfort and support. On the front lines of patient care every day, infusion nurses are familiar faces, and their ability to form important relationships helps mitigate the fear of cancer treatment. John’s talents as a seasoned nurse, combined with his focus on personally connecting with his patients every day, make a visit to Mass General more enjoyable and less stressful.
Edith, a long-time patient, is one of John’s biggest fans. She says, “I always tell others that he is simply the best infusion nurse. He always greets me with a huge smile and a hug. His perception and compassion should be commended. Brilliant researchers and doctors may be the ones coming up with groundbreaking new treatments at Mass General, but it is the infusion nurse that administers the treatments who is there with you in the moments you face the reality that your life is not the same as other 28 year olds.”
