In the scariest moments of my life, my daughter sick with Covid and struggling to breathe, I stood in the corner of the room while a team of people stabilized my baby girl E. Once the dust settled and the room cleared, Oluchi approached me. She introduced herself, and said “First of all, let me give you a big hug,” and gave me the tightest, most understanding and comforting hug I think I’ve ever received. I was a complete stranger to her, probably Covid positive myself, but she took the time and risk to comfort me and reassure me, ask how I was doing, and tell me that she was going to make sure my baby got the best care. She stayed in the room a lot to keep a close eye on E. When it was appropriate she made little jokes to cut the tension and calm me down. When my husband came, she introduced herself again and gave him an update on everything they’d done for E and the plan going forward (so I didn’t have to). She advocated for my daughter for me when I was too tired. She translated the information I didn’t understand or was crying too hard to hear. These things sound small, but they’re big when you’re a scared parent. She honestly became a friend in the 2 days we were there, and I miss her. I will remember her always. Thank you Oluchi. Keep up the amazing work. You’re changing lives.

***

I want to begin by thanking the staff at CHOC for all the care my daughter has been given at the PICU. My daughter was admitted for metapneumovirus. During these horrible moments there was a nurse, who constantly portrayed kindness and compassion to our 1 yeard old V. The nurse whom I would like to nominate is NURSE OLUCHI. She has gone above and beyond from the beginning of her shift till the last minutes of her shifts. My husband and I are immensely grateful for all the care and attention she has given my daughter at the PICU. Compared to all other nurses, she has been the one and only one who has genuinely educated us, from the medications my daughter, V, has been receiving to the plans the doctors have done at everyday rounds. She has made an impact so much that every time we had a new nurse, we always waited and expected her to walk into the room. Oluchi made a difference in our lives as she has been compassionate, caring, and delicate in every care she has done for my daughter. She shows professionalism and is a very passionate nurse. Every time we had a question, she always found a way to explain it in a way we could understand. At one point, I apologized and burst into tears for asking too many questions; in a moment of vulnerability, she simply said, "Don't worry I am here to help and answer any question you might have, it is ok to feel the way you are feeling, but everything will be ok." This moment made a difference to me, and she represented how committed she is and how she is truly passionate. I hope she gets to inspire future generations who are interested in becoming future nurses. She is an amazing role model, and we are immensely thankful for everything she has done for my family, especially my daughter. As parents, we see everything Doctors and nurses do, and we are grateful because when we see how Oluchi cared with much delicacy for my daughter, it made us believe in humanity. Little things make a difference because we will forever carry those moments we shared with Nurse Oluchi. She also allowed us to get involved with a simple wipe she would allow us to do, and as parents, we felt useful. It made us believe that CHOC hospital has one of the best nurses. So thank you once again, Oluchi, for everything you have done; you are a wonderful human being, and we will forever be thankful for everything you did for V and us.