Angie has devoted decades to Children's Mercy and the families we serve. She is known to be nurturing, empathetic, and a strong advocate for her patients and their families. Angie is certified as a medical translator in Spanish and this is quite a benefit to the families she serves. Her own parents learned English as a second language, and this experience makes Angie extra observant and aware when she identifies a language or cultural barrier.
Recently, a baby had a short stay in the ICN. The mother spoke Swahili and did not understand any English. Angie was assigned to this patient on the fourth day of his stay and she received a report that the mother had refused a Ronald McDonald room and was sleeping at the bedside and rarely stepping away. Angie noticed that mom appeared pale and exhausted and it was obvious that she hadn't had access to what she needed for her own personal hygiene.
Other nurses had offered this mom use of an overnight room, but mom refused as she did not want to leave her infant alone. Angie spent over an hour with a Cyracom phone translator and was able to determine that mom had not eaten in several days and was feeling extremely weak. Angie immediately brought her juice and crackers, obtained toiletries and towels and walked this mom to the parent room so she could see to her personal needs. Angie then walked the mother to the Milk Room and helped her obtain a meal voucher and took her down to the cafeteria to show her how to get food. She continued to spend extra time using the Cyracom translator phone to ensure this mom understood what was happening with her infant and knew how to ask for the translator phone when she had questions or concerns. This mother was so grateful for all Angie did that she was in tears.
Angie's care and attention to this family are typical of how she performs her job every day. She consistently takes the extra steps to ensure families understand what is happening with their child and how families are supported here at Children's Mercy. I'm sure this mother will always remember Angie's smile and the genuine care she and her infant received from her.