Compassion doesn’t clock out; after-hours support for family facing cancer

Joan Hart, a clinical social worker at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, is known for her unwavering dedication to patient- and family-centered care.

This came to light when Hart saw her coworker near an Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion elevator speaking with a mother and daughter who looked lost. She had already clocked out for the day, but approached them to see how she could help.

Hart learned they were searching for an in-person cancer support group.

“We switched to virtual cancer support groups at our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and haven’t hosted an in-person support group since then, so I started by apologizing for the confusion,” Hart said.

The news was difficult for the mother and daughter to hear. The mother became emotional, and the daughter explained that they had driven more than 30 minutes to the hospital, hoping to find this support group. Their husband and father had been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Even though Hart had completed her shift, it didn’t stop her from supporting the mother and daughter.

“Since they made the effort to be here, I offered to take them to a private space in the cancer center for the three of us to sit and talk.”

They were relieved by Hart’s offer and spent the next hour talking with her about the lifestyle changes and challenges of navigating a cancer diagnosis.

“I kept the focus of our conversation on the wife and daughter,” Hart said.

“Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a caregiver or partner can bring immense uncertainty, and this was one of the first times they had spoken about the diagnosis beyond their family. They needed to hear and understand that they aren’t alone. Our team is here to support their whole family.”

She provided presence, empathy and a reminder that no one has to carry the weight of cancer alone.

The following day, Hart followed up with the mother and daughter. She provided updates from their conversation and additional resources to support them as they navigate this new chapter.

After more than 15 years at UCHealth, Hart credits moments like this, the people around her and the culture we live and breathe for her continued commitment to going above and beyond for patients and families.

“From day one, we’ve been taught to stop and help anyone in our hospital who seems to need support. My coworker didn’t walk past these visitors, and because she offered a helping hand, we were able to give them the in-person support they so desperately needed.”

Lindsay Brice, nurse manager at the UCHealth Blood Disorders and Cell Therapies Center, expressed her gratitude for Hart’s above-and-beyond efforts in a recent Celebrating You nomination.

“Joan’s compassion, initiative and willingness to care at the end of her day and shift truly uphold UCHealth’s values and actions. I am humbled by the incredible work that is done every day within the Cancer Center, and this was a true reflection of that.”