Kelly Bashor

My Proud Story...

Over the years I have heard so many amazing and truly inspiring stories of how St. Luke’s employees have made a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Working for the lab as a phlebotomist doesn’t put you in the intense situations that our nurses and doctors face, but each and every one of us who has contact with patients, has the ability to make a difference in their lives.

There has actually been several times that made me realize each and every one of us can make a difference in the life of a patient.

Here are just a few examples of how St. Luke’s can make a difference:

An elderly patient who has difficulty walking takes public transportation to come for lab work, to see me and one of the other phlebotomists because she values the kindness we show her and the care and level of service that we provide to her here at P2.

A gentleman, who had previously been known to be terribly unhappy when he came to the lab now smiles and looks forward to seeing me when he comes in. Although he is very ill and in a wheelchair, he took the time and effort to write a lovely letter to my manager. All I did was treat him with kindness. He has been known to call and see if I will be scheduled on days that he anticipates coming for an appointment. My eyes fill with tears just thinking about him.

An elderly patient with a walker that I used to see frequently came in the other day and was seen by a phlebotomist in one of the first exam rooms. She told her care worker that she wanted to see me and insisted on taking the walk to the other end of our department to do so.

These may be small differences compared to all of the other wonderful stories you hear, but it is very humbling to know that simple acts of kindness can bring happiness, joy or comfort to another human being. Maybe there should be submissions for how our patients have made a difference in our lives. The patients I have mentioned here have given me a true sense of pride and joy and have made me happy to know that I am appreciated and can make a difference in their day.ϑ

I am proud to wear the badge for them!

Kelly Bashor
Phlebotomist
Hired in 2009