Rebekah’s Story

While Rebekah works in the emergency room, she has memories of her time supporting her father while he was in the hospital before he passed away from hepatitis B. While caring for her own patients, Rebekah remembers nurses from her past offering snacks and beverages to support her. Although he was sick, Rebekah’s father would often ask her if she had eaten. Today, Rebekah cares for her patients in the same way her father did for her, always asking if they need anything and trying to support them through challenging times. Her experiences with her father’s hepatitis B help her connect with and care for patients and their families.

Discussion Questions and Answers:

How does Rebekah’s story reveal the emotional impact of hepatitis B on healthcare providers with personal connections?
(Rebekah draws on her own experience of losing her dad to hepatitis B-related liver disease, which influences how she cares for her patients with empathy and understanding.)

What role do small acts of kindness, like bringing snacks or checking in, play in supporting patients facing serious illness?
(These gestures provide comfort and human connection during difficult times, helping patients feel cared for beyond just their medical needs.)

How does Rebekah’s story illustrate the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with personal grief?
(She manages her own emotional pain while maintaining a calm and supportive presence for patients, highlighting the complexity of caregiving.)

#justBeHold