Joyce Barnett, BSN, RN

Labor was scary and fast. My baby came out quickly and was rushed to the NICU to be put on a CPAP machine, and everything happened so fast and out of my control, nothing like my first child. I was so scared. On the second day, I met Joyce during the day shift. She welcomed me so warmly and confidently. As time went on, and it became clear that we wouldn't be leaving soon, she took the time to explain everything that was happening. She connected us to resources for the Ronald McDonald House. She walked me to the family room to show us where we could wait. She also made sure that I had pumping supplies, bottles, and labels. She walked me into the pumping room, ensuring it was stocked with everything I needed. Even when she wasn't the nurse assigned to my baby, she checked in with me to ensure that I had slept and eaten, and to say hello to the baby. She has been a comfort, a resource, a caretaker, and a shoulder to literally cry on, making every scary and changing situation bearable and pleasant. Every question and concern was addressed immediately and thoroughly. Her compassion for not just the babies but also the parents is phenomenal and way beyond what one would expect. The lengths she has gone to to take care of the family unit have made such a difference for everyone's healing and happiness.