Emily Matheson
September 2017
Emily
Matheson
,
RN, BSN, CCRN
Neonatal ICU
CoxHealth Springfield
Springfield
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

On June 30, the NRT team was called to the ED for a major trauma involving a pregnant patient. Emily, who was also the charge nurse in the NICU that night, was one of the team members who responded. Due to the seriousness of the mother's injuries, the patient was given a C-section in the ED where Emily took over the care of the extremely premature baby. After transferring the baby to the NICU, Emily continued to provide care until the baby passed away just prior to Emily's shift ending at 7 AM. Emily stayed 4 hours after her shift to care for this baby post mortem and to make sure the family had all the items we could give them for memories. Emily bathed the baby, dressed her and called in a professional photographer to take pictures for the family. During all the care, Emily played lullaby's softly in the patient room. While I believe all of this in itself is extraordinary. One other observation, Emily held this baby girl until she passed, as the mother was in NTICU and the father was too overwhelmed and could not do it emotionally. This little girl passed away in the loving arms of the nurse who cared for her until the end of her short life. Emily exemplifies what an extraordinary nurse is.