When the nurses in CHCO-COS NICU picture Emily Baird, the image is often accompanied by an overwhelming aura of confidence and security in the care she provides, as well as an undulating sense of compassion and personal connection that is vital for the patient and family care in the unit. The professionalism and air of mentorship that she carries has brought about a wave of sanctuary in the unit, markedly among myself and several new-grads who have recently finished a second round of orientation after a year in the NICU, earning us the credentials to take care of the most critical babies on the unit. This story is about a conversation I was a part of with those fellow recent new grads over a meal:
Nurse #1: "Who did you all enjoy having as a preceptor when you were still on orientation?"
Nurse #2: "My favorite preceptor by far was Emily Baird."
Nurse #3: "No way! Mine too! I loved her!"
Nurse #1: "Same! I had her for level 2 orientation, and again for level 3 and I learned so much from her."
Nurse #3: "Me too. She really taught me how to do things safely and to pause and make sure everything was correct and safest for my patient. Instead of telling me what to do, she would just encourage me to think about what the baby needs and the best and safest way for that to happen. She also encouraged me to speak up in rounds and provided teaching to families and give a thorough report and everything!"
Nurse #4: "I really loved that about her, too! One time my baby was about to code, and instead of pushing me out of the way and saving the baby herself, which she does every day when she's not precepting, she just talked me through it and I felt like she had 100% confidence in me. And whenever she's precepting me, she doesn't make me feel stupid about any questions I have, which is so nice. I often feel like my questions are so silly but Emily legitimizes every thought of mine and still somehow grows my confidence with my patients."
Nurse #2: "Oh yeah, I feel that too! I love asking her questions because she's so good at explaining things and I never feel like any question is too small for her. She's just so supportive..."
Nurse #1: "—for families too! She is great at teaching families about their child's course and engaging them to help with what they can. I feel like every family she meets wants to have her for every shift. They just love her kindness and gentleness and friendliness."
Nurse #1: "We should nominate her for The DAISY Award!"
And then we all laughed and agreed that The DAISY Award is the least amount of recognition and thanks that Emily could earn for all of her dedication to this unit. She cares for her team well and engages her families. She provides safe and quality care to every baby she encounters. She exudes an air of light and joy and refreshment as she goes about her daily tasks, and does it all with a smile and no complaints. She is humble and gracious and a privilege to call a teammate.