Nicole Woodworth
December 2018
Nicole
Woodworth
,
MSN, RN, CPN
Neuroscience Unit
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Minneapolis
,
MN
United States
Endless mornings I will wake up and she will have my baby in the hallway at her nurse’s station because she knew I got little sleep the night before and wanted to allow me to rest.
On June 19th, 2018, I gave birth to the beautiful perfect set of twins. My world shattered on July 29th when Baby L didn’t wake up and died of SIDS. I didn't know up from down but kept my spirits high and focused on my other baby. About 3 weeks after L. died my other baby started having seizures. We were taken to our local hospital but within a couple days it was more complex than they could handle. That’s where my journey started at Saint Paul Children’s with our nurse Nicole W. We have been here for about 3 months. My surviving twin has been diagnosed with Lissencephaly also known as Smooth Brain. Because of her smooth brain she suffers from debilitating seizures, apnea, eating difficulties, SVT, Brady Cardia & Sinus Attack Acarida. We met Nicole and she changed our world. As a mother who is still mourning the loss of her baby you can imagine my worry and anxiety with each issue. Nicole has helped in so many ways. She takes the time to explain extra things to me and help me make difficult decisions. She has picked up shifts because my baby would start getting worse at times and I needed her for my sanity. On Halloween I really wanted to spend some time with my older 2 kids at home with my parents (90 miles away). I had never left my baby’s side and I was torn whether I should go. Nicole knew the only way I would go is if she was my nurse that day. She not only worked as Lunas nurse from 7am to 7pm but picked up a double until 11pm so I could stay and trick or treat. It was the most selfless kind gesture and the greatest gift to my 5- and 7-year-old daughters at home. When I bring my big girls here to visit their sister, she always takes time to make them feel special. Just this weekend she braided my 5-year-olds hair after spending an hour doing arts and crafts. Endless mornings I will wake up and she will have my baby in the hallway at her nurse’s station because she knew I got little sleep the night before and wanted to allow me to rest. She has encouraged me, taught me, advocated for my daughter, empowered me. I have never met someone who has done so much more than expected. She has made our life better.