About 4 months ago, Lauren developed the Perinatal Loss & Bereavement Committee. The committee's focus was to find ways to support mothers who have suffered the loss of a baby. Lauren had the idea of creating a memorial garden on campus for grieving moms and families to mourn the loss of their little one. She also wanted to have a public dedication and annual event on the National Day of Perinatal Loss and Bereavement. She was able to work with administration, facilities, and security to implement a garden and a plan to invite our associates, former patients, and the community to come together and have a moment of quiet reflection. While attending this ceremony I met a former patient and learned a little more about what type of leader and nurse Lauren is.
This woman was a recent patient on the 5th floor who lost her baby. Lauren worked to build a relationship with this patient knowing she needed support during this difficult time. Seeing how distraught the patient was, Lauren gave the patient her phone number so the patient could call her for support. Lauren had tried calling the patient at home several times after discharge to check on her but could not reach her.
One day Lauren finally received a callback. The patient confided in Lauren that she was so distraught over the loss of her child that she attempted suicide and had spent the last week in DePaul. She told Lauren that when she was able to talk to her family and was able to receive her phone, she heard Lauren's message and wanted nothing more than to talk to Lauren. Lauren gathered information and resources and delivered them to her personally at DePaul. She also invited her to the dedication of the memorial garden. This mom was able to come and place a stone with her baby's name on it and know that she has a place to come and heal.
Lauren is a compassionate nurse and a thoughtful leader. She saw a need in our community and led us to meet that need. Ascension Providence is lucky to have her.