It actually started a year ago when my daughter was in the PICU. Emma was her nurse, and she was extraordinary. She always did everything to provide my daughter, and me, amazing care. Fast-forward to now and my 7-week old son came in via life star, fighting for his life. He had gone into cardiac arrest and had an extremely low glucose reading. I was so scared not knowing what was happening, or if he was going to be okay.
The next morning I woke up and immediately recognized Emma, who also recognized me. I felt hope, joy, and confidence that everything that needed to be done to care for my son would get done. She made sure I always knew what was going on; what his vitals, glucose reading, and weights were. She always told me what medications my son was taking and what tests they were going to do. When they got results, she made sure to tell me. If I didn't understand something, she put it in terms I would understand. If I had questions for the doctor, she made sure I got answers; and if I needed to cry, or someone to talk to, Emma was always there.
I think what makes Emma an Extraordinary Nurse is that it was evident that, to her, my son wasn't just another patient to take care of. She provided exceptional care for him, had so much compassion and love for him, and helped him fight to get better. She treated him like he was family. Her bedside manner is another thing that I found extraordinary. When my son was still hooked to the ventilator, she still continued to love and care for him like a person, like family, and not like just another patient. She always made sure he was comfortable, and me also. For all of this, I will forever be grateful and love Emma, forever.