I came into L&D knowing our 24-week baby girl wasn't going to live. She had a rare condition that we knew she wouldn't have any quality of life even if we chose to trach & PEG her, so we decided to induce labor at 24 weeks. I am an employee here at DMC so I was very concerned the staff wouldn't understand or agree with our decision and would make a difficult time for our family harder. I could not have been more wrong. I was greeted by nurse Kellye and escorted to our room in the back with a hug and a smile. Then Mary set me up and made sure we were all comfortable. She was unbelievably caring and supportive. All of my nurses were very comforting and supportive for the three days I was in labor. Mary was exceptional as she took the time to help me get cleaned up and even came in on her day off to check on me and give me a ribbon she had on her badge for pregnancy and infant loss. Kristina was the nurse who delivered her, and she was very kind giving us plenty of time to grieve as well as giving us crochet blankets and taking time with footprints and other keepsakes. Tene assisted my niece in picking out a white gown for her to take her "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" photo in. I now work in the NICU and I can only hope to make a difference in the lives of new parents like these nurses did for me.
Nurses honored with the DAISY TEAM Award:
Kellye Caton, Tene Sylvia, Mary Swanson and Kristina Thresher