Anna Erickson
April 2023
Anna
Erickson
,
BSN, RN
NICU
Children's Minnesota
St. Paul
,
MN
United States

 

 

 

With compassion, Anna guided [Mom] and [Dad] through [patient]’s last hours. She helped them give [patient] a bath, snip a lock of his hair, and provided a box of precious mementos.
[Patient] was transferred to Children’s Hospital from Essentia Duluth after experiencing an incredibly traumatic birth. He arrived and passed away 3 days later. Anna was [patient]’s nurse for three of his four-day stay. She was sweet, extremely kind, and attentive to our entire family’s needs. Anna was an absolute professional as she guided our family through this extremely difficult event. [Patient] spent 72 hours hooked up to many monitors and machines, but Anna still managed to make [Mom] and [Dad] feel included and connected to their son. Whenever possible she’d let them participate in taking care of him. She kept us informed about [patient]’s condition and explained the treatment he was receiving by providing detailed information about his care. Anna did whatever was necessary to give [Mom] and [Dad] the opportunity to hold their little angel. [Mom] had an emergency c-section and was quickly discharged from the Duluth hospital; still healing from surgery, Anna cared for [Mom] as she cared for [patient]. Aware that [patient]’s situation would likely not have a good outcome, Anna constantly provided positive support without providing false hope. With compassion, Anna guided [Mom] and [Dad] through [patient]’s last hours. She helped them give [patient] a bath, snip a lock of his hair, and provided a box of precious mementos. [Mom] and [Dad] will be forever grateful for these memories, the mementos, and for Anna’s kindhearted presence. Anna made a connection as she shared information about her life. They discovered common interests - dogs, nature, the BWCA, and a familiarity with the area where [Mom] and [Dad] live. This personal connection made [Mom] and [Dad] feel comfortable. To deal with their grief, Anna provided pamphlets and personal advice. Anna is an angel on Earth. A skilled professional, a kind and compassionate person who cared for our entire family. Anna was undoubtedly a bright spot during our darkest hours. We are forever grateful.