Debra
Inman
September 2011
Debra
Inman
,
RN
House Officer
Carle Foundation Hospital
Urbana
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

As the NICU social worker, I contacted Deb to ask if she would be willing to speak with one of our mom’s about her experience of having a child with a g-tube. Deb responded immediately offering several times she could meet with the mom.
We decided on 3:30 the next day. When Deb arrived we were right in the middle of NICU family support group and the mom I was connecting her with was attending. I met Deb in the hall and explained that 2 of the moms had babies with g-tubes and asked if she would be willing to sit in and share her experience. She said she was up for anything.
I completely put Deb on the spot and she did an amazing job. This was, by far, the best NICU family support group meeting we have had in the 2 years I have been on the NICU.
Deb not only shared her experience, but provided emotional support that came from personal understanding. She answered all of the questions that were asked of her and even shared funny g-tube stories.
I believe that the knowledge and insight that these parents received from Deb was invaluable.
I appreciated her promptness in responding, her willingness to jump into family group with virtually no warning and her caring, compassion for parents going through a stressful and difficult time.