2015 Renown Health Annual Report | Page 34

RENOWN EMPLOYEES ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY EVERY DAY SHANNON WHITE RN, OCN, LEAD PROTOCOL NURSE, RENOWN INSTITUTE FOR CANCER SHANNON’S PASSION: SUPPORT FOR GYNECOLOGICAL MALIGNANCY PATIENTS Battling cancer is something no woman should have to do alone, and Shannon White does everything within her power to ensure that. “Our patients come to us in a time of immense vulnerability and uncertainty,” says Shannon. “I firmly believe we can never do enough to help these women navigate the treatment process with dignity, friendship and hope.” THE INITIATIVE: BECOMING A TIRELESS CHAMPION Giving selflessly of her time and energy and her very soul — that’s what Shannon does. Yes, compassionate expertise is the signature of her daily patient care efforts. But there’s more. Off the clock, Shannon is literally a one-woman advocacy and support machine. She’s a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, leads Renown women’s support groups, organizes a Moms-on-the-Run fundraiser team, plays an active role in the Reno Cancer Foundation and has organized several local benefit events. 32 THE DIFFERENCE MADE: THE GIFTS OF SOLACE AND UNDERSTANDING Expressing the full impact of empathy on the life of a cancer patient is no easy thing. But if you could see the gratitude reflected in the eyes of a care provider, Shannon’s eyes would tell you all you need to know. “My career has been so rewarding,” she says. “Whether it’s raising money to help women afford their living expenses during their treatment or simply sitting with someone and listening as they voice their fears and frustrations, it’s the gift of humanity we all owe one another.” Registered Nurse Shannon White says the best thing about her job is her patients. And she proves it with her actions. COMMUNITY AND PARTNERSHIPS 33