July 2020
Lydia
Boettner
,
BSN, RN, CPEN
ED
Nemours Children's Hospital
Orlando
,
FL
United States
A mother presented to the ED with her 6-week old daughter. The chief complaint was apnea per mom. Upon triage, Lydia discussed with mom what was going on. Mom disclosed she is suffering from postpartum depression. Lydia distended to mom, helped her with the baby and she set the baby in a bassinet by the nursing station so the baby could be out of the room to give mom a break, turned down the lights so mom could have some quiet time. Lydia had social work come to see mom and continued to watch the baby while social work spoke with mom. Once mom was settled, Lydia set up the bassinet in the room with mom. The patient was admitted and social work followed. Lydia showed a great deal of empathy and concern for this family and went above and beyond once she realized mom was in distress. This is what nursing is about!