Deanna Strasser, BSN, RN, CPN, APHON

My 4-month-old was admitted to Children’s due to complications from RSV that included respiratory distress and hypoxia. During our stay, we had several nurses, but one in particular stood out over the rest. Doctors repeatedly would make rounds and recommend going home on oxygen. I did not feel comfortable going home with her needing oxygen. As a mother, I felt strongly that something just wasn’t quite right, and going home seemed like it wasn’t the place my daughter needed to be. I was concerned that her symptoms would worsen, even though during rounds by doctors and assessments by nurses, she seemed fine.

During our first meeting, Deanna Strasser listened to my concerns and validated them as well. She truly listened, believed, and validated those concerns. During a suctioning of my daughter's nose, the doctor was able to hear and see what I had been concerned about, which allowed my daughter the chance to recover and rest in the most appropriate place for her, which was the hospital setting. Deanna did not make me feel like I was exaggerating symptoms or dismissing my concerns. We worked as a team during every suction to help my daughter breathe better so she could eat and rest comfortably, which is what she desperately needed. Deanna communicated effectively, made me laugh when I needed some distraction from the seriousness of my daughter's complications, and made sure not only my daughter had what she needed, but my needs were met as well. She truly made a difference in my daughter’s care. I firmly believe that had she not been our nurse, we would’ve gone home far too soon and returned with more severe complications. I know that the care she gave us is the care she gives every single one of her patients. Her patients are all truly blessed to have her care for them, and Children's Hospital is incredibly lucky to have her as a nurse.