Dawn Moyer
September 2020
Dawn
Moyer
,
ADN, RN
Neonatal ICU
Augusta University Medical Center
Augusta
,
GA
United States
Our son B was transported to the NICU at CHOG from another facility. Being a first-time mom I was absolutely terrified. We had a wonderful nurse on our first two days there, but on our third day, we had Dawn. The second she introduced herself to us we could tell she was very special. She has this amazing calming motherly effect that despite my terrified state made me feel like everything was going to be ok.
I come from a family of nurses. My mother works at AU as well so I was lucky enough to be able to have Dawn and she meet and let Dawn explain B's situation directly to my mama so that the two of them would be able to better explain it to me. Having her take the time to meet my mom and have that open conversation gave me so much peace of mind.
On B's 5th day in the NICU, he had a rapid decline and Dawn called us in so we could discuss what our options were with the doctors; she didn't leave my family's side and stayed in the conference room helping explain what was going on in a way that my husband and I could all understand with the help of my mom. Having Dawn there not only calmed the waters of my worried mind but also gave my mom peace of mind knowing that I was also being taken care of as well. She described it as "knowing that both of her babies were being taken care of by someone who she knew loved and cared for them almost as much as she does." That is the perfect way to describe Dawn.
Once B was in the upswing we had Dawn for pretty much the rest of his 11-day stay excluding the weekend when she was off, but she messaged the nurse with B every day to check in and see how he was doing. When I was finally able to breastfeed, Dawn was essential in assuring my success, making sure B had a good latch, and that I was comfortable with what I was doing.
When it came time for B to graduate the NICU Dawn was right there to celebrate with us. She will forever have a place in our hearts and has earned herself an honorary position as B's third grandma. We're able to keep in touch with her and I get to send her updates every week. She is a true DAISY Nurse for her dedication, knowledge, and love of her work. She is an angel and I am so thankful that B was put in her care. She saved his life (and my sanity).
I come from a family of nurses. My mother works at AU as well so I was lucky enough to be able to have Dawn and she meet and let Dawn explain B's situation directly to my mama so that the two of them would be able to better explain it to me. Having her take the time to meet my mom and have that open conversation gave me so much peace of mind.
On B's 5th day in the NICU, he had a rapid decline and Dawn called us in so we could discuss what our options were with the doctors; she didn't leave my family's side and stayed in the conference room helping explain what was going on in a way that my husband and I could all understand with the help of my mom. Having Dawn there not only calmed the waters of my worried mind but also gave my mom peace of mind knowing that I was also being taken care of as well. She described it as "knowing that both of her babies were being taken care of by someone who she knew loved and cared for them almost as much as she does." That is the perfect way to describe Dawn.
Once B was in the upswing we had Dawn for pretty much the rest of his 11-day stay excluding the weekend when she was off, but she messaged the nurse with B every day to check in and see how he was doing. When I was finally able to breastfeed, Dawn was essential in assuring my success, making sure B had a good latch, and that I was comfortable with what I was doing.
When it came time for B to graduate the NICU Dawn was right there to celebrate with us. She will forever have a place in our hearts and has earned herself an honorary position as B's third grandma. We're able to keep in touch with her and I get to send her updates every week. She is a true DAISY Nurse for her dedication, knowledge, and love of her work. She is an angel and I am so thankful that B was put in her care. She saved his life (and my sanity).