February 2024
Julie
Lucero
,
RN
Neo-Natal ICU
Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center
Walnut Creek
,
CA
United States
Julie listened to me all while taking care of my son and ensuring that he was comfortable with our care and that my concerns were valid and heard.
This was my second child to be in the NICU, so I knew what to expect to an extent. Even with my knowledge, every single person listed above ensured that I was treated like every other mom, making sure I was comfortable and ok with the plan and ensuring that my questions were answered. They always advocated for me when I felt like I wasn’t being heard, even when I didn’t necessarily know what to advocate for.
Their ability to anticipate needs and thoughts was unmatched. One nurse, Julie, stands out to me. On her first day as my son’s nurse, I was having an awful day. I was crying and upset, and she took the time to hear me, console me, and even escalate some of my concerns to her manager. She could have brushed them off or just let me vent, but instead, she listened to me all while taking care of my son and ensuring that he was comfortable with our care and that my concerns were valid and heard.
There was another instance where she wasn’t my son’s nurse, but she came over to say hello and again listened to me, heard my fears and worries, and validated my thoughts/feelings. Julie made sure that for Thanksgiving, we dressed my son in his Thanksgiving clothes and got the best pictures possible despite all the wire/cords. There were countless other instances where the other nurses did this, too. I could go on and on. It truly felt good to have the team on our side, remember us, check in, and treat us like more than just patients. Even when they weren’t caring for us directly for my son, they checked in on him and me and made sure that all was well. I was always comfortable with whoever was taking care of my son for the day because these nurses made it feel like the whole team was watching over us, even when I wasn’t there. Watching the teamwork, professionalism, heart, care, compassion, and so much more with this team made me feel at ease and comfortable that we were there and in their care despite the circumstances. When this team was working, I always knew that we had knowledgeable and compassionate nurses on our side. I truly couldn’t ask for a better group.
Their ability to anticipate needs and thoughts was unmatched. One nurse, Julie, stands out to me. On her first day as my son’s nurse, I was having an awful day. I was crying and upset, and she took the time to hear me, console me, and even escalate some of my concerns to her manager. She could have brushed them off or just let me vent, but instead, she listened to me all while taking care of my son and ensuring that he was comfortable with our care and that my concerns were valid and heard.
There was another instance where she wasn’t my son’s nurse, but she came over to say hello and again listened to me, heard my fears and worries, and validated my thoughts/feelings. Julie made sure that for Thanksgiving, we dressed my son in his Thanksgiving clothes and got the best pictures possible despite all the wire/cords. There were countless other instances where the other nurses did this, too. I could go on and on. It truly felt good to have the team on our side, remember us, check in, and treat us like more than just patients. Even when they weren’t caring for us directly for my son, they checked in on him and me and made sure that all was well. I was always comfortable with whoever was taking care of my son for the day because these nurses made it feel like the whole team was watching over us, even when I wasn’t there. Watching the teamwork, professionalism, heart, care, compassion, and so much more with this team made me feel at ease and comfortable that we were there and in their care despite the circumstances. When this team was working, I always knew that we had knowledgeable and compassionate nurses on our side. I truly couldn’t ask for a better group.