I feel I cannot say enough good things about this nurse, so here goes my best effort. I myself am a nurse. I understand very well the day to day struggles of trying to balance the patient load. Endless alarms and charting can take up a large majority of the time. With long hours and tired feet, nurses are given set skills and tasks that are required to be completed. Emma Cate has gone well above and beyond her call of duty and set tasks. Having a child in the NICU is overwhelming, and Ms. Emma helped carry that burden. Many times my emotions changed from feeling helpless to anger, to heart-broken. She met my needs in every way. Having had this child for three months and never held her, this nurse made it happen for me. This nurse offered to bring me lunch when she barely had time for her own. This nurse offered me a blanket and something to drink. She noticed every detail. She gave me a hug when I needed it, she brought me tissues without asking. She was very attentive to "the patient" she did not just react to alarms but was proactive. She always washed her hands entering and exiting the room even if she just walked in to ask me a question. She made sure the patient was turned, suctioned, and cleaned. She involved me in care which greatly made me feel like a mom. Having me help with diaper changes and feeding. What may have been small to her was a huge milestone for me.
What really caught my attention was how she treated other staff in the same manner. During my time observing, this nurse has had a trainee and she was so very patient and kind. She was pleasant and respectful to the physicians. This nurse is an educator, she is kind and she is humble. I cannot thank her enough for the comfort she has brought me. She took the time to explain things to me. The situation with this child is delicate, as I am not the biological mom. This nurse ensured that this patient was safe. She made sure the correct adults were in the room with the patient without being offensive or addressing me as the "foster". This nurse is truly the model of what the nursing oath is all about.
We as nurses should all strive to be the type of Nurse Ms. Emma Cate is. She has set the bar high. She even took the time to show me where I could use the bathroom before I had to ask. You can't teach a nurse compassion, and this nurse has it. Any family that gets the opportunity to have Ms. Emma Cate as a nurse will be just as pleased. Her love has nurtured me through this painful process, and her love is healing my child. She talks to my child and treats her with the most dignity. She celebrates every milestone and has changed my perspective on what a milestone for a preemie is. Her personality changes the atmosphere. She makes a difference in this world. She made the most adorable Halloween costume for my child and handpicked something that empowered my personality.
I will never find enough words to describe the change she has made in my life. I will be forever grateful. I know that Children's Hospital of Alabama should be aware of what an exceptional employee they have. I know she will make an impact on every nursing student, fellow nurse, and patient she encounters. It's her courage and fearless leading that will create a brighter nursing future. Thank you, Ms. Emma Cate.