Let me start by saying that Lacey is not only an incredible nurse but a dear friend. Six years ago, my son was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder some weeks after birth. His NICU team ran many tests but seemed unsure as to what was causing his symptoms. Once we had a diagnosis everything finally made sense and was also very scary for us as new parents. Lacey has embraced our son despite his challenges from the beginning. She has read about his disorder and taken the time to learn along with me about his medical diagnosis. This has meant so much to me.

Fast forward to a rare shift together in the Newborn Nursery; we were receiving a bedside report on a newborn. She and I locked eyes as the outgoing nurse gave us a detailed report on his abnormal assessment. This particular newborn had many of the same assessment findings as my son when he was a newborn. After our night shift together, we both continued to have a gut feeling that this newborn needed the specific test for the same rare genetic disorder. The following night shift Lacey came back to work and found the newborn has been transferred to the NICU. She made time in her busy shift to go down to the NICU where she found the MD and NP rounding on the newborn as she informed them of our suspicions and assessment findings. They seemed intrigued and agreed it could be a possibility. The test was ordered soon after she spoke with the care team, it ended up positive for the genetic disorder and the family finally had some answers.

Lacey did not have to follow up on this newborn once he was transferred out of her care, but she did. Lacey did not have to advocate for him and the bloodwork, but she did. She went above and beyond for her patient and I truly believe it changed his outcome and future quality of life. Without a definitive diagnosis, this newborn could have had an extended hospital stay which always has risks. The doctors, nurses, and support staff were able to expedite his treatment, coordinate follow-up care, and make a discharge plan much sooner than what could have been. Lacey has shown me time and time again that she is a caring and knowledgeable nurse. However, watching her advocate for this patient meant the world to me. I have been in those parents’ exact shoes, I have experienced an unexpected outcome, and I have had to wait for answers, test after test. If only six years ago I had a “Lacey” to speak up for my son, I know I would have been forever grateful.