Gayno Swanson is a nurse I worked closely with for many years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at RVMC. I know her well enough to say that she does not like to call attention to her “good deeds.” Due to this fact, I feel it is necessary for me to tell you about one of her many extraordinary efforts to provide excellent nursing care.

As a team in the NICU, we often are witness to some horrific outcomes. Often times these situations lead some nurses to distance themselves in order to cope. Gayno found herself in one of those situations when she assumed the care of a premature infant whose mother had passed away following delivery. Both parents of the infant had only recently relocated to Oregon. They were not married, had no local friends or family, and had minimal resources. Most of the staff nurses felt badly for the father, but did not engage him.

Gayno felt very close to the young father, who was close in age to her own children. She cared for both the struggling baby as well as the grieving father. As the winter holidays approached, Gayno invited the young man to come to her home and share the holiday with her family.

As the baby matured and prepared for discharge, Gayno took on the challenge of preparing the young man for fatherhood. At the time of discharge, the new father confidently carried his son from the unit.

A year or so later, the family sent a picture of a happy and healthy toddler.

Gayno is not only a highly skilled NICU nurse, but she also provides compassionate are and demonstrates a daily commitment to excellence. Thank you for your wonderful work, and congratulations Gayno!