Emily Gallagher
July 2018
Emily
Gallagher
,
BSN, RN
P8 - Pediatric Universal Care
UW Health University Hospital
Madison
,
WI
United States

 

 

 

I never imagined that I would be on the other side of patient care with my own child in my work place. I am a Care Team Leader on P7 and the night my daughter was admitted became one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I was the terrified parent who couldn't understand why my daughter was so ill. It was so comforting knowing that we would be spending our time on my home unit and surrounded by friends who knew our daughter so well.
Our care started overnight with the amazing night team of nurses who helped us to get settled and feel comfortable on the unit. They went above and beyond in ensuring that I felt comfortable with our plan for the night and made sure M was well cared for and monitored for our first night. The next morning Emily took over M's care and I knew what great hands we were in, but I had no idea what the next 6 days would look like for M and our family.
Emily is the definition of a remarkable nurse. My daughter M was admitted on a Friday night for low blood sugars that we couldn't explain. The care we received during her admission was extraordinary. Emily cared for M for multiple days during our 6-day stay. She was incredibly organized and came up with the idea to track her blood sugars and interventions on her whiteboard to help the team and our family see the trends that were occurring. She spoke up and advocated to the team when we weren't feeling comfortable with changes they wanted to make and also helped us to feel empowered to speak up when we didn't understand what the team was thinking. She not only cared for M, she always ensured that I was taking care of myself during one of the most stressful times I have ever been through. She also included my husband and son in the care of our daughter. She helped keep my 3-year-old son entertained and calm during this visit. She became a comforting presence for us all.
Emily is a DAISY Nurse not only for the care that she provided to my daughter during this admission, but the care I witness her provide to all her patients. She is compassionate, kind and truly cares about her patients and families. She goes above and beyond in ensuring her patients are well cared for and is such a strong advocate for them. She is not afraid to question or challenge ideas that do not make sense to her and is an integral part of her patients' success during their stay.
Emily, thank you from our entire family for providing such wonderful care to our little Wildflower! You are an amazing nurse and we are so happy you are M's primary nurse. We can't thank you enough for all you do for us!