Having a baby in the NICU brought out so many emotions in me. I was scared, angry, sad, frustrated and overwhelmed with the situation. It is not natural to have to ask permission to hold your baby. It is hard to have a stranger tell you how to parent. It is difficult to share your baby with the nurses. It is challenging to adhere to all the rules of the NICU. It is hard to find balance when sharing your time with family at home and your newborn in the NICU. About two weeks in I was an emotional wreck. One night, my son had a nurse named Dana. She had a calming demeanor and when she took care of my baby all my frustrations melted away. At first I didn't know what it was about her that made me feel so at ease; then I realized that Dana took a backseat and let me be a momma and that's exactly what I needed. Those two nights with Dana I felt significant. She made sure that I knew that my baby still needed me. Dana not only took care of my son she took care of me emotionally as well.
Dana is professional, compassionate, supportive, and kind. Dana is extremely deserving of the DAISY award. I say that not only as a mom of a sick baby, but as a fellow nurse as well. Dana was aware that I was a nurse but she never treated me any differently and I am very grateful for that.