Melinda
Petrie
September 2012
Melinda
Petrie
,
RN
Labor and Delivery
Winter Haven
,
FL
United States
One of our pregnant patients had been admitted for several weeks on the labor and delivery unit. As the days turned into weeks the patient began to feel down and lonely. Even though her family visited on a regular basis, it was not like being at home.
Because of Melinda's sensitivity to others, she planned a surprise baby shower for the patient. Melinda notified all the staff, the patients family and orchestrated the date and time for the shower. Decorations, gifts, food and a cake were all donated and given by staff and the patient's physician. When the patient was wheeled into the room and everyone yelled "surprise" you could see the tears well up in her eyes. Not only did the patient cry but her mother also cried. The patient and her family were so thankful and appreciative for what we had done that they said "we can not thank you enough". The patient's spirit was lifted and she continued to talk about her baby shower for days thereafter.
Melinda's compassion, caring and commitment to patient care and excellence is to be commended and recognized.