November 2022
Charlotte
McKeon
,
RN
Critical Care Float Pool
UMass Memorial Medical Center
Charlton
,
MA
Charlotte was not willing to accept that, she knew this would forever impact her patient's ability to grieve this devastating loss.
Charlotte was caring for a patient who was transferred to the surgical ICU post-fetal demise and postpartum hemorrhage. The patient decompensated very rapidly after delivering the baby and the baby had to be taken away from her so the staff could care for her. This obviously impacted her grieving process. Once the patient had stabilized and was extubated she asked to see the baby. Unfortunately, the transferring hospital had already sent the baby to the funeral home and said that the funeral home would not bring the baby here. Charlotte was not willing to accept that, she knew this would forever impact her patient's ability to grieve this devastating loss. Charlotte called the funeral home directly and pleaded her patient's case. She made arrangements with the funeral home and the maternity team for support. The baby was delivered and stayed with the patient for a period of time. The patient herself expressed so much gratitude to Charlotte and recognized how much this time with the baby would allow her to heal.