Jennifer Ramirez
February 2020
Jennifer
Ramirez
,
RN, BSN
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Valleywise Health Medical Center
Phoenix
,
AZ
United States
A patient was scheduled for discharge after approximately 4 ½ months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As expected, it would be a very complicated discharge, several specialties for follow up, early intervention, home health, oxygen therapy, apnea monitor, etc. The patient's family required a lot of education and reinforcement. It was also complicated because the mother of the baby was illiterate. She spoke a dialect of Spanish and could not read or write. Mom and dad were loving and visited daily sometimes twice a day.
So, nearing the time of discharge a plan was implemented to assist the family. We assigned Spanish speaking staff when possible to assist with the education. Jennifer Ramirez RN was the nurse assigned on the day shift. Mom was preparing for discharge so she would come in early and spend up to 6 hours daily. Jennifer would sit and talk to the mother of the baby gaining her trust where mom felt comfortable enough to share her fears/concerns regarding upcoming discharge. Mom explained that she had little supplies for her baby. No crib for the baby explaining that currently, they all sleep in one bed. This would not be ideal for a premature infant going home on oxygen. Jennifer shared this information and the primary care nurse and staff got together and gathered enough donations so the family would have a small crib for baby along with additional supplies. Jennifer also sat with mom and watched the CPR video, demonstrating and having mom return demonstration, so mom would feel competent at the time of discharge. Jennifer was proactive and spent hours on the days she had him, educating mom on giving medications, checking blood pressure, and scheduled appointments. She listed phone numbers and explained how to reach home health nurses, 911, and the pediatrician. Jennifer went through all instructions reviewed, demonstrated, and returned demonstrations so mom would feel calm and competent to take this fragile baby home.
What Jennifer did is not unusual for a nurse discharging a complex patient. We are recognizing her because she did it with compassion, kindness, and professionalism. She gained trust so the family was willing to share their concerns and fears.
So, nearing the time of discharge a plan was implemented to assist the family. We assigned Spanish speaking staff when possible to assist with the education. Jennifer Ramirez RN was the nurse assigned on the day shift. Mom was preparing for discharge so she would come in early and spend up to 6 hours daily. Jennifer would sit and talk to the mother of the baby gaining her trust where mom felt comfortable enough to share her fears/concerns regarding upcoming discharge. Mom explained that she had little supplies for her baby. No crib for the baby explaining that currently, they all sleep in one bed. This would not be ideal for a premature infant going home on oxygen. Jennifer shared this information and the primary care nurse and staff got together and gathered enough donations so the family would have a small crib for baby along with additional supplies. Jennifer also sat with mom and watched the CPR video, demonstrating and having mom return demonstration, so mom would feel competent at the time of discharge. Jennifer was proactive and spent hours on the days she had him, educating mom on giving medications, checking blood pressure, and scheduled appointments. She listed phone numbers and explained how to reach home health nurses, 911, and the pediatrician. Jennifer went through all instructions reviewed, demonstrated, and returned demonstrations so mom would feel calm and competent to take this fragile baby home.
What Jennifer did is not unusual for a nurse discharging a complex patient. We are recognizing her because she did it with compassion, kindness, and professionalism. She gained trust so the family was willing to share their concerns and fears.