Angela Neal
April 2025
Angela
Neal
,
RN, BSN, RNC-NIC
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
Not only did she provide such great care to our baby, but she also helped me and Dad learn a wealth of valuable information.
I had a 9-day-old baby in the NICU. The NICU was a challenge for me at times because I never knew what to expect. Would my daughter have a good night? Is she gaining enough weight? Is she tube feeding or transitioning to a bottle? Will the isolette be covered? Can I hold her? Which nurse do we have today? What is the schedule like that day? I am also a bit more of an introvert, so being overwhelmed causes me to get even more anxious and worried.
Well, on Friday, Angela was an angel. Not only did she provide such great care to our baby, but she also helped me and Dad learn a wealth of valuable information. I had a rough visit the day before. Our baby's temperature was fluctuating. I ended my visit early on Thursday, brokenhearted and worried.
Walking in on Friday, I reassured myself that this is temporary. Angela found me right away to introduce herself and explain that she would be with us today. She explained how she was going to remove the feeding tube. I did not know whether to celebrate or cry, but Angela explained this is a step in the right direction.
She encouraged me to bottle feed her and walked me through her schedule so I could practice as much as possible today. She calmed my worries about the "amount" the baby is expected to eat and assured me no one will ever eat the same amount each time. She listened to my fears. My husband came to visit at 5, and Angela sat with him to help him learn feeding strategies such as how to make her comfortable, supporting the side-lying hold, and burping techniques.
I also must commend her on her ability to use humor with us. I felt at ease with her ability to be witty and crack a joke. She made it so much less stressful!
I never felt invisible or "ignorant" when asking for advice and feedback.
In just 24 hours, we were informed we could be discharged on Sunday. I was so thankful that Angela was there to be our nurse on Sunday and help us be discharged. She went through the paperwork, gave advice on the feedings, informed us of how to clean/bathe the baby, and answered the last questions.
Angela was a blessing to end this journey. She went above and beyond in supporting our daughter and our well-being. Her wisdom, advice, and listening ears were a gift.
Well, on Friday, Angela was an angel. Not only did she provide such great care to our baby, but she also helped me and Dad learn a wealth of valuable information. I had a rough visit the day before. Our baby's temperature was fluctuating. I ended my visit early on Thursday, brokenhearted and worried.
Walking in on Friday, I reassured myself that this is temporary. Angela found me right away to introduce herself and explain that she would be with us today. She explained how she was going to remove the feeding tube. I did not know whether to celebrate or cry, but Angela explained this is a step in the right direction.
She encouraged me to bottle feed her and walked me through her schedule so I could practice as much as possible today. She calmed my worries about the "amount" the baby is expected to eat and assured me no one will ever eat the same amount each time. She listened to my fears. My husband came to visit at 5, and Angela sat with him to help him learn feeding strategies such as how to make her comfortable, supporting the side-lying hold, and burping techniques.
I also must commend her on her ability to use humor with us. I felt at ease with her ability to be witty and crack a joke. She made it so much less stressful!
I never felt invisible or "ignorant" when asking for advice and feedback.
In just 24 hours, we were informed we could be discharged on Sunday. I was so thankful that Angela was there to be our nurse on Sunday and help us be discharged. She went through the paperwork, gave advice on the feedings, informed us of how to clean/bathe the baby, and answered the last questions.
Angela was a blessing to end this journey. She went above and beyond in supporting our daughter and our well-being. Her wisdom, advice, and listening ears were a gift.