Pamela Coombs Delis
- PhD, RN, CNE, Lupus Ambassador, Northeast Region, Lupus Foundation of America
Despite having SLE, Sjogren’s, Raynaud’s, depression, anxiety, microscopic lymphocytic colitis, chronic bursitis, migraines, a history of endometriosis, and other issues, I was able to have a long career as an RN. I worked as a staff nurse, in leadership positions, and finally earned a PhD in Nursing. With my doctoral degree, I taught the next generation of nurses at Salem State University and at Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. Losing my career was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever experienced, as I was raised with a strong, New England work ethic. I had to re-evaluate my abilities and re-think my worth. Although I am no longer able to work, I advocate for those with lupus, chronic pain and illness through writing. I have authored/co-authored multiple articles for the healthcare community and presented at both regional and international conferences. I believe that through education the healthcare community gains understanding of the many challenges that Lupus Warriors face.
My own path with chronic illness started when I was a teenager, but it took many years of mis-diagnosis before I was finally told I have SLE at age 37. I am very fortunate to have loving support from my husband, who never stopped believing in me. My son grew up with a chronically ill Mom, and now he is a physician who understands the human side of SLE.
Although SLE has challenged me in more ways than I ever could have anticipated, I am determined to continue to live my life and to make the world a better place for those with SLE and other autoimmune conditions.
Publications
Delis, P. (2014). Resilience, in Maheady, D. (Ed.) The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities. Editor.
Delis, P. (2014). Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, in Maheady, D. (Ed.) The Exceptional Nurse: Tales from the trenches of truly resilient nurses working with disabilities. Editor.
Delis, P. C. (2019, Jan/Feb). Uncertainty and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study. Rehabilitation Nursing,44(1), 2-10. doi: 10.1097/rnj.
Delis, P. C. & Dowling, J. (2020). An integrative review of the LupusQoL© Measure. Journal of Nursing Measurement. doi: 10.1891/JMN-D-18-00083
Delis, P. C. (2020, Sep). Lupus in a time of uncertainty. Massachusetts Report on Nursing, 8.
Delis, P. C., Henderson III, E., and Langley, D. (2021, May). Perspectives on Male Lupus: “Lives turned upside down.” Massachusetts Report on Nursing, 12.
Delis, P. C. & Delis, Z. (2021, Nov). Medical cannabis and chronic pain: Information for nurses. Massachusetts Report on Nursing, 14.
Delis, P. C. & Henderson III, E. (in print). Chronic pain experiences in Lupus: Implications for healthcare. Massachusetts Report on Nursing.
pamela@lupusnurse.net
My new definition of success:
“Living a life of gratitude, contentment, and loving-kindness.”
FaceBook: Pamela Coombs Delis
Instagram: lupusqol