Natalie Schmidt
May 2019
Natalie
Schmidt
,
BSN, RN, CPN
Post-Op/St. Paul
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Minneapolis
,
MN
United States

 

 

 

Natalie went above and beyond on several occasions with my two young boys (ages 7 and 3) who had their tonsils/adenoids removed. We had our initial surgery and she was our post-op nurse. While prepping for surgery she helped my boys and their extremely nervous parents feel confident, comfortable and aware of what to expect. She was compassionate, honest and caring. Unfortunately, my youngest son had to come in for emergency surgery 1 week after and Natalie was there to greet us and get us prepared for surgery. She showed compassion for my son and our fears, emotions, and concerns. Due to the nature of the surgery a parent was not able to go back with my terrified 3-year-old while he went to sleep. I kindly asked Natalie if she would go with him and hold his hand. He found comfort in her presence. She didn't hesitate one bit and grabbed a gown and hat and proceeded to take my terrified 3-year-old back to surgery. They sang baby shark and giggled as he fell asleep. Natalie then proceeded to come back and comfort my husband and I after he fell asleep and the surgery started. The compassion she showed for our family was heart felt and meant the world to two frightened parents. I, of course, starting to cry, and she offered me a hug with open arms and no hesitation and reassured me she would be there when he woke up (as she promised my son!) and all was to be ok. After surgery, she was there when he woke up and comforted him as he came out of anesthesia. As we were getting discharged, she came back to say our goodbyes and give our son a little extra squeeze. The extra hug and extra care she provided without hesitation made our short but terrifying stay a little less stressful.