Frances Fuqua
April 2013
Frances
Fuqua
,
RN
NICU
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
As the tertiary center for the region we have the highest acuity patients in our system. We also have the privilege of facilitating and sharing in the loss of a newborn, sometimes it is expected and other times it can be sudden. Regardless of the circumstance it is one of the most painful moments for the parent and family of the child as well as for the team in the NiCU.
Facilitating a positive death and dying experience is truly an art, and not everyone is comfortable in this role. Frances has assumed the role of bereavement photographer for some time. She will stay over her shift and has even come in on a day off to take beautiful bereavement photos to give to the parents. She will create abackdrop with a sheet or the baby's blanket and uses props such as small teddy bears, flowers, blankets, wedding bands, and any other memento that the family may hold dear. One father was a Chicago Bears fan and Frances incorporated a tiny Chicago Bears football in the photos. Some parents, want to be included in the photos and others will not.
Recently we had a newborn that expired in our unit, while the mother remained in post--partum. She did not want to see the baby at all. The CNC on duty went over to post partum to encourage her to come over and see the baby, and to also let her know that once the baby went to the morgue she would not be allowed to see the baby. The mother insisted that she did not want to see the baby and was not showing much interest in having photos taken of the child. Frances stayed over and took the beautiful bereavement photos anyway. They were to be placed in the memory box in case the mother changed her mind at a later date. Prior to taking the newborn to the morgue the CNC again went and spoke to the mother. She again asked her if she would like to hold the infant prior. At this time the mother agreed to see and hold baby. While the CNC was with the mother she expressed gratitude that the photos had been taken and was appreciative to have them after holding the baby.
Frances has shown a great commitment to our families in what is possible the worst moment of their lives. She has great talent and comfort in the role of the bereavement photographer. The above story is only one of many that illustrates her willingness and commitment to our families.
Facilitating a positive death and dying experience is truly an art, and not everyone is comfortable in this role. Frances has assumed the role of bereavement photographer for some time. She will stay over her shift and has even come in on a day off to take beautiful bereavement photos to give to the parents. She will create abackdrop with a sheet or the baby's blanket and uses props such as small teddy bears, flowers, blankets, wedding bands, and any other memento that the family may hold dear. One father was a Chicago Bears fan and Frances incorporated a tiny Chicago Bears football in the photos. Some parents, want to be included in the photos and others will not.
Recently we had a newborn that expired in our unit, while the mother remained in post--partum. She did not want to see the baby at all. The CNC on duty went over to post partum to encourage her to come over and see the baby, and to also let her know that once the baby went to the morgue she would not be allowed to see the baby. The mother insisted that she did not want to see the baby and was not showing much interest in having photos taken of the child. Frances stayed over and took the beautiful bereavement photos anyway. They were to be placed in the memory box in case the mother changed her mind at a later date. Prior to taking the newborn to the morgue the CNC again went and spoke to the mother. She again asked her if she would like to hold the infant prior. At this time the mother agreed to see and hold baby. While the CNC was with the mother she expressed gratitude that the photos had been taken and was appreciative to have them after holding the baby.
Frances has shown a great commitment to our families in what is possible the worst moment of their lives. She has great talent and comfort in the role of the bereavement photographer. The above story is only one of many that illustrates her willingness and commitment to our families.