Meghan is a stellar nurse and person. We came across Meghan’s path in July of 2023 when my son was in one of his many hospitalizations. That year was the year he got diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis.  This particular hospitalization was for severe skin burns due to breakdown from his output, from his double loop ileostomy. Meghan, who I later learned was on the wound team, was our nurse. Besides all the support she gave us with the constant care this wound needed until he could get bagged again, it looked like a 2nd degree burn, she stood up for me when the doctor dismissed my concerns. Lurie had been the second hospital we stopped at for this medical need. Being alone and in uncharted territory, Meghan's level of bravery and support was so awesome that I cried. 

Fast forward to January 2024, day 12 into a 14 day stay, my now 14 year old son was cared for by Meghan again. What was the most wonderful part of this visit, Meghan held my son's hand, literally and metaphorically. My son, who fights with me to take a shower on days normally, was particularly upset at having to take doctor ordered showers here, in the hospital, with an open wound from the incision he received from his lifesaving 6-hour emergency surgery.  My son had started getting blotchy, as he does when he gets really worked up, and Meghan did what no other nurse has been able to do.  She spoke to him using empathetic listening and was able to get him to open up his feelings and reflect them back so he felt heard and was able to calm down. There was no rush, just patience and understanding.  He trusted her enough to let her help us with the shower. Then, with him being too tired to walk and stand for a shower, she took his hand and held it. This was while walking him slowly to the shower so he could sit down and get washed. Seeing my son in so much pain, physical and emotional, and seeing the level of comfort and trust he is able to put in her, made me cry. I reiterate that this has not happened with any other nurse. The knowledge, patience, and empathy did not end there. Remembering my previous experience, she was able to get to the root of why I felt so uncomfortable staying so long this time around. She built me up so I could learn the proper care for my son's wounds and made his stay more comfortable by recognizing the need he had for a mattress pad, something I didn't know was possible, so his pain could be relieved. He had lost so much weight from his now yearlong fight with UC and our constant hospital stays, he had lost all his fat for cushioning, and he had gotten a sore on his tailbone.

In short Meghan has stood up for me, even in the face of doctors, supported us both during tough procedures, and healed my son's hurt heart, while helping to keep him on healing track to discharge. She has earned my eternal gratitude, trust and affection, and I know I cannot be the only one. Meghan is a cut above and a credit to your institution.