Bridget is a dedicated nurse on 2L, our Mother/Baby unit. One of the most impressive aspects of the care Bridget provides is that she doesn't shy away from patients with language barriers. Although it is an expectation that all staff have a comfort level with this technology, very few stand out as being able to use it to make a personal connection. Nearly every week Bridget may have a patient sharing intimate details about their history and life for the first time.
Recently, Bridget was working with a family and interpreter on the topics of newborn and self-care. They were recent refugees identified as Rohingya. Bridget discovered they did not have a safe place for their infant to sleep. She tried to determine if there was a basket or dresser drawer that they could use until they were able to get more resources. The answer was no. They literally had nothing.
Bridget took action and first surveyed our social workers and other department coworkers for items that we might be able to share with the family. Our social worker kindly brought a nice blanket and some baby supplies, but was unable to get an immediate appointment made for a pack and play through the city of Milwaukee's Health Department "Cribs for Kids" program, it can take as long as three weeks.
As Aurora's baby box program is just about to be implemented, Bridget approached leadership for a sample, but was unsuccessful. We didn't have any available. Baby boxes are sturdy cardboard boxes with a fitted mattress that can be used as a crib alternative for newborns up to 4 months and have been proven worldwide to reduce infant deaths related to unsafe sleep conditions. Not about to give up, Bridget reached out to a company that makes baby boxes in the area, and pleaded with them for help. She convinced this business to have a free baby box delivered to this family the next morning prior to them leaving the hospital.
I was nearly moved to tears by the compassion and extraordinary persistence that Bridget employed to show this family how much our department cares about its infants and their safety, no matter where they come from and what their needs may be. Nurses like Bridget are a shining example of the type of nurses we are so proud of here at Aurora Sinai.