Miss Christina has worked with S for 4 years during his lab draws (every 2-3 months). She has helped him to remain calm, avoid unnecessary stress on him, and celebrates our victories. S has Down Syndrome, chronic renal failure, and previous medical trauma. He requires sedation for even a simple blood draw.
Christina has worked tirelessly with him to take away any fear in this process. She knows when to push just a little more, and when to back off. She listens to S and I and has learned what works best for him. When he needed labs done on his birthday, she decorated his room, had a special sign for him, and toys she knew he would enjoy. It has been our goal to be able to do these draws without sedation.
On our last few visits, we worked diligently toward this, but he still needed that extra help. The last time we came in, Christina was able to accomplish his draw without sedation! She cried because she knew what a huge accomplishment it was. I cried because here was a nurse who committed to doing everything she could for 4 years to help S be successful. He knows when he gets to see Miss Christina she will be as excited to see him as he is to see her. And I know that we will have a nurse who truly cares for him and celebrates with us. We are incredibly fortunate to have her excellent care, skill, and experience for S's care.