I have the pleasure of working with many wonderful, compassionate nurses, however one dedicated and truly caring nurse in particular stands out, Glynnis Marshall. We had a premature baby that was admitted to our unit on a busy Thursday morning. This was the first baby girl born to this family. The family was elated with the happiness of the birth of a long awaited new baby, but in this unfortunate situation, within hours of her birth, the baby’s condition deteriorated, and after doing everything possible to attempt to save her, the baby died.
The nurse who cared for the baby during this entire time was Glynnis. She became very attached to this family in a short period of time and experienced the emotional turmoil that this family went through. Despite this, she maintained her clinical competence and emotional strength during the adverse turn of events. She was clinically working closely at every turn of events with the Neonatologist, and maintaining support of her team as she communicated with the parents to help them understand what was occurring. As an NICU nurse, you admit babies assuming optimism, not demise but always prepared for the downturn. After a long day filled with minute by minute changes, resuscitation efforts, and emotional drain, the parents gave permission to let the baby go in peace. Glynnis, along with the other team members were with the family during this decision; however this family felt a personal bond with her as they experienced her connection to their baby which reassured them that they were making the “right decision”. Prior to Glynnis leaving her shift that evening, she visited the parents, as the mother was still a patient on the M/B unit she had just given birth hours before. She shared some tears and hugs, and reassured them that she would be back tomorrow to check in with them.
The next day Glynnis returned to work. I asked her how she was doing. She expressed that she didn’t sleep well that night and expressed concern for the mother and father, and sadness for the beautiful baby girl that was no longer with us. She shared with me how she bonded and interacted with this family and that she felt a need to return first thing in the morning to the parents room to check in on them as she promised. They exchanged grief and were so grateful to her that she was “the nurse” who was taking care of all of them. Glynnis made the personal choice to go back to visit with them on the M/B unit, even though her own personal wounds were still open. As final closure, she visited with them at the end of her shift on Fri and reassured them with answers to their questions and provided resources to support them through their loss.
The most striking and impressive acts were that she truly reflected genuine care and compassionate acts that are part of what nursing “is all about”. She genuinely connected with a family in distress, which they desperately needed for their peace of mind. She responded professionally and competently in the clinical care provided to this baby. She followed through with her communication to the family and upheld acts of kindness to visit them, when she promised them she would. She fully upheld the family centered care vision for our patients, caring for baby and family. These may seem like simple expectations to some, but are not always fulfilled or initiated effortlessly on one’s personal behalf from beginning to end. I was touched and proud to know that Glynnis made such a difference to this family and feel strongly that she deserves the recognition of what nursing is all about.