Mary Beth Redmond
July 2014
Mary
Redmond
,
RN
Michigan Visiting Care
University of Michigan Health System
Ann Arbor
,
MI
United States
Our DAISY Award Honoree, Mary Beth Redmond, has been the Visiting Care Nurse for approximately 3 years for twin girls, caring primarily for one of the girls. She is routinely at the household 2-3 nights per week, working 8-12hr shifts, giving mom the opportunity for some rest. Mom said that she nominated Mary Beth for her many great qualities, including being on time, her common sense, following through on commitments, and that she has excellent nursing skills. Mom talked a lot about how Mary Beth can troubleshoot problems with the ventilator and oxygen sensor on her own, without having to wake mom up in the middle of the night, but also has the common sense to wake her at times when it is appropriate. The family has complete trust and confidence in Mary Beth, so much that mom feels she can truly rest through the night knowing that her girls are in "good hands".
Mom gave alot of examples as to why Mary Beth is so special to the family, but especially to the girls!
She often finds the honoree assisting the girls to get ready for school; while giving meds, changing a G-Tube dressing or performing Trach care, she is listening to music with the girls and giggling along with them she helps put on earrings or whatever needs to be done. The girls just adore her and think of her as an "aunt" and not a caregiver.
Another story mom told was about a stormy night this past spring, one of the girls is especially afraid of storms and there was a severe thunderstorm in the middle of night and neither girl could sleep. The honoree went into action! She pulled out her IPad and the 3 of them listened to music (One Direction of course!) and played games until the storm passed and the girls could go to sleep. The next morning it was mentioned to mom that the girls might be a little sleepy because of the storm. Mom didn't have a clue what she was talking about! She had slept right through the storm! The honoree had taken control of the situation and had not bothered mom so she was able to get her rest. The girls thought it was a great night because they got to "hang out with all night with their favorite nurse"!
Mom gave alot of examples as to why Mary Beth is so special to the family, but especially to the girls!
She often finds the honoree assisting the girls to get ready for school; while giving meds, changing a G-Tube dressing or performing Trach care, she is listening to music with the girls and giggling along with them she helps put on earrings or whatever needs to be done. The girls just adore her and think of her as an "aunt" and not a caregiver.
Another story mom told was about a stormy night this past spring, one of the girls is especially afraid of storms and there was a severe thunderstorm in the middle of night and neither girl could sleep. The honoree went into action! She pulled out her IPad and the 3 of them listened to music (One Direction of course!) and played games until the storm passed and the girls could go to sleep. The next morning it was mentioned to mom that the girls might be a little sleepy because of the storm. Mom didn't have a clue what she was talking about! She had slept right through the storm! The honoree had taken control of the situation and had not bothered mom so she was able to get her rest. The girls thought it was a great night because they got to "hang out with all night with their favorite nurse"!