What happens when wildfires blanket Los Angeles, but cancer patients still need their infusions? What about when a patient gets Covid-19 but still needs their infusion—but the other patients also need to be protected from the virus? Or even: How can you make people feel even a little bit more comfortable as they receive their chemotherapy? Marenette is an expert at handling questions like these; she problem-solves on the fly, always prioritizing patient care.
In the most recent wildfires, City of Hope’s infusion centers had to relocate due to smoke. Marenette spearheaded the emergency plan, making sure that communication went smoothly and that patients were triaged and empathetically guided through the temporary space, getting their treatments with as little disruption as possible. If a patient comes down with Covid-19 but still needs their infusion, Marenette will make sure that they have a private room with a HEPA air filter, and at the same time communicate with other staff and enforce PPE policy to ensure infection control.
Even without natural disasters and pandemics, each day in healthcare presents challenges and opportunities. Marenette created a dedicated board where patients who are veterans can post photos to celebrate their service, and she came up with an adopt-a-family initiative, raising money for a single mother going through treatment. No detail is too small: When central-line dressing supplies changed, she created new supply carts and made sure they were stocked with tip sheets and step-by-step guides for proper technique. The result was improved patient care and staff confidence with the new supplies. Her system also prevented over-ordering or shortages. Marenette is a logistical genius; she understands how well-designed systems translate into more humane and effective care.