Erica Carlin
June 2022
Erica
Carlin
,
RN
4C Pediatrics
The MetroHealth System
Cleveland
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

I was so scared, and at the time I did not tell Erica, but I know she knew. She also knew I was overwhelmed. Every time Erica came in she helped clean him up and also checked in with me.
I do not think that there are enough kind words to describe how wonderful Erica is. My 3-week-old son was admitted with respiratory distress, COVID, and parainfluenza. To say I was scared is an understatement. Little lungs like those of my baby are not meant to deal with such scary viruses. Erica went above and beyond during her assessments as she always made sure C was comfortable. She added extra padding under him to ensure he was comfortable, she got him fresh, clean pajamas for him after he kept soiling/vomiting on his gowns. The pajamas not only made him comfortable, but it helped control all the wires that we attached to his chest and feet that he kept pulling off. I was so scared, and at the time I did not tell Erica, but I know she knew. She also knew I was overwhelmed. Every time Erica came in she helped clean him up and also checked in with me. She took over nighttime feeds before the baby would even wake me so I could get some rest. She would ask me how I was doing and made sure I was okay. This meant a lot because I had post-partum depression, I also was recovering from COVID 1 week prior, had just given birth, and was isolated in my son's room with no interactions other than medical staff. I was not okay but Erica going above and beyond truly helped get me through. She changed my linens, got me food from the Ronald McDonald house, stayed on baby watch so I could shower without worrying and she comforted me and advocated for my infant like he was her own. She was truly wonderful. I could not thank her enough!