Whitney and Hannah are doing an outstanding job taking care of our whole family. They spend a lot of time answering questions and pay particular attention to the safety and clinical care of our micro­preemie twins. In less than four weeks, both nurses have established a special connection with our newborn twins; they entered their lives as medically-trained strangers and metamorphosed into watchful guardian angels.
Our twins were born at St. Mary's Hospital and were immediately transported to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Therefore, our babies were "alone" for several days until I was discharged from St. Mary's Hospital. Hannah and Whitney demonstrated compassion and empathy upon our arrival to the NICU. I and H's rooms were physically located on either end of the NICU unit due to the lack of available twin-rooms. Both nurses understood our need to keep our family together and became advocate champions for getting our twins relocated to adjoining rooms. I and H have required multiple surgeries, a laundry list of labs each day, several blood transfusions, and other products to only name a few.
Earlier this year, we went through the unexplainable heartbreak of losing our stillborn daughter, I. Whitney and Hannah's empathy made a profound difference in our lives. After learning of our loss, they continue to be a positive and calming presence as we adapt to the ever-changing and ongoing battle for the survival of our twins. Hannah and Whitney make extra efforts in meeting our twins' demanding care; keeping us updated on all tests and procedure results.
Sadly, our twin son, I, was diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhaging and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). After three weeks of life, we made a loving decision to let him go. Whitney and Hannah demonstrated a sense of commitment to their jobs and wholeheartedly assumed their nursing responsibilities on his last day of life, a day in which neither nurse was assigned to work. Both nurses were by our side throughout the entire process of letting I pass away.
We've entrusted our children's lives in Whitney and Hannah's hands; they constantly communicate with us and both are extremely personable. They unconditionally treat our children like their own family. Whitney and Hannah do their jobs effortlessly making it easy to leave the NICU in the evening knowing they are on duty. Finally, their enthusiasm, dedication, and passion are exemplified through the continued care of H, our surviving twin daughter.