Keandra C Cooper
May 2024
Keandra C
Cooper
,
MSN, RN
Pediatrics
Piedmont Columbus Regional Healthcare System
Columbus
,
GA
United States
Keandra's actions showed my daughter, who has been through a multitude of medical procedures, that she has a voice and that her fears and concerns matter.
My daughter was admitted to the 5th floor (pediatric unit) on Thursday and discharged the next day. Our nurses were all wonderful - but Keandra Cooper went above and beyond in the care of my child.
To give a back story, in the ER, when given an IV, my child fainted. Having a heart condition, this was obviously a real concern going forward. Knowing that she had to have a blood draw the next morning, my daughter fretted for hours over having yet another needle in her body. I spoke with Keandra and asked if we could draw from her IV port. After some discussion and consideration, because my child's veins are so small and it may not be successful, she was willing to give it a try. We were so grateful to her for being willing to try - because it was a success! No more needles!
Because of Keandra, we were able to avoid any further stress on my child, giving my daughter full autonomy over her body. Keandra's actions showed my daughter, who has been through a multitude of medical procedures, that she has a voice and that her fears and concerns matter.
Additionally, at around 7 in the morning, Keandra sat with my kiddo so I could run downstairs and get some food. While I was gone, they played with Play-Doh and the myriad of toys S was given. It made S so happy to have someone (other than mom) playing with her and spending time with her. They talked, giggled, and shared the pensive thoughts of a seven-year-old heart. But the icing on the cake was the doll Keandra set aside to give to S when she was discharged - a doll that looks just like Keandra. Once we got home, my daughter wouldn't rest until we retrieved the doll from its box. She has named the doll Keandra and hasn't put it down in the 24 hours we've been home.
S has asked if we can go back to the hospital and visit. If only you knew what an incredible gift that mindset is for a child who has been through so much in her young life. S has spent a great deal of time in hospitals and clinics; she has developed white coat syndrome and has grown to fear adults because she is rarely given the choices or the opportunity to advocate for herself.
Clearly, Keandra has left a lasting impression on my sweet girl's heart. She empowered my child to feel heard and showed her that though she may be small - she is mighty.
For that reason, we nominate Keandra Cooper for an extraordinary nurse award. Nurse Cooper is exactly that - Extraordinary.
To give a back story, in the ER, when given an IV, my child fainted. Having a heart condition, this was obviously a real concern going forward. Knowing that she had to have a blood draw the next morning, my daughter fretted for hours over having yet another needle in her body. I spoke with Keandra and asked if we could draw from her IV port. After some discussion and consideration, because my child's veins are so small and it may not be successful, she was willing to give it a try. We were so grateful to her for being willing to try - because it was a success! No more needles!
Because of Keandra, we were able to avoid any further stress on my child, giving my daughter full autonomy over her body. Keandra's actions showed my daughter, who has been through a multitude of medical procedures, that she has a voice and that her fears and concerns matter.
Additionally, at around 7 in the morning, Keandra sat with my kiddo so I could run downstairs and get some food. While I was gone, they played with Play-Doh and the myriad of toys S was given. It made S so happy to have someone (other than mom) playing with her and spending time with her. They talked, giggled, and shared the pensive thoughts of a seven-year-old heart. But the icing on the cake was the doll Keandra set aside to give to S when she was discharged - a doll that looks just like Keandra. Once we got home, my daughter wouldn't rest until we retrieved the doll from its box. She has named the doll Keandra and hasn't put it down in the 24 hours we've been home.
S has asked if we can go back to the hospital and visit. If only you knew what an incredible gift that mindset is for a child who has been through so much in her young life. S has spent a great deal of time in hospitals and clinics; she has developed white coat syndrome and has grown to fear adults because she is rarely given the choices or the opportunity to advocate for herself.
Clearly, Keandra has left a lasting impression on my sweet girl's heart. She empowered my child to feel heard and showed her that though she may be small - she is mighty.
For that reason, we nominate Keandra Cooper for an extraordinary nurse award. Nurse Cooper is exactly that - Extraordinary.