amanda burns 2016, RN,BSN

A patient came back to hospital wanting to get fetal remains (patient had a 19 weeks' miscarriage) about 2 weeks prior. The patient and family had wanted to do a private burial and had chosen their own funeral home to handle the baby's remains. But the family later found out that the undertaker would not come to St. Alexius. The mother came to L&D asking if she could just pick up the baby herself and bring it to cemetery. Amanda had to explain that that is not policy and the cemetery would not accept baby remains without proper disposition arrangements. Amanda called the bereavement coordinator. Helped family to choose a funeral home which would work with St. Alexius. Helped family complete proper disposition papers; communicate with new funeral home director and helped mother and father complete arrangements. She also talked with pathologist to have remains brought to hospital morgue. She was very compassionate, helpful and concerned for this mother to make sure fetal remains were handled appropriately and in a dignified manner.