Pat
Spargo
September 2012
Pat
Spargo
,
BSN, RN, IBCLC
Family Support
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Birmingham
,
AL
United States
Photo (l-r): Jackie Martinek, CNO, Pat Spargo, DAISY Award Honoree, Dorothy Gerr, Chaplain
Pat Spargo, BSN, RN, IBCLC, our Family Support RN, works with families who have suffered perinatal losses. She was nominated by one of our Chaplains as she has worked closely with Pat in a number of perinatal loss situations. Below is the narrative included with her nomination:
Pat sits with patients and families in the time of the most devastating loss – the loss of a baby or the loss of a pregnancy. To patients grieving this terrible loss, Pat brings herself – patient, compassionate, gentle, understanding – and walks them through the painful process of making decisions about funeral homes and memorial services as she encourages them to hold their babies and see the beauty in them.
Pat slowly and gently provides education about the grieving process, as the parents can receive it, as well as offering support group resources. Pat follows up with families on important dates – holidays, Mother’s Day, and is heavily involved in the community-wide service of remembrance held each October. Patients have shared comments with me about the difference Pat’s work and care has made for them: “I was so devastated – I don’t know what I would have done without her”; “She helped me so much!”; “She was a godsend to us when our baby died.”
Pat also brings her nursing skills to the patients – letting them know what to expect in terms of changes in their bodies as they recover from the delivery process. She uses all her many years of experience to listen to patients and families and then responds in the most compassionate, professional way. Family support in the midst of perinatal loss is challenging, draining work, yet Pat continues to offer the highest level of care in every loss.
When Pat humbly received her award, she added that she is thankful God uses her to minister to these families. We are truly fortunate to have her serve in this capacity and are proud to say that she is truly deserving of Brookwood’s first DAISY Award!! Congratulations Pat!!
Pat Spargo, BSN, RN, IBCLC, our Family Support RN, works with families who have suffered perinatal losses. She was nominated by one of our Chaplains as she has worked closely with Pat in a number of perinatal loss situations. Below is the narrative included with her nomination:
Pat sits with patients and families in the time of the most devastating loss – the loss of a baby or the loss of a pregnancy. To patients grieving this terrible loss, Pat brings herself – patient, compassionate, gentle, understanding – and walks them through the painful process of making decisions about funeral homes and memorial services as she encourages them to hold their babies and see the beauty in them.
Pat slowly and gently provides education about the grieving process, as the parents can receive it, as well as offering support group resources. Pat follows up with families on important dates – holidays, Mother’s Day, and is heavily involved in the community-wide service of remembrance held each October. Patients have shared comments with me about the difference Pat’s work and care has made for them: “I was so devastated – I don’t know what I would have done without her”; “She helped me so much!”; “She was a godsend to us when our baby died.”
Pat also brings her nursing skills to the patients – letting them know what to expect in terms of changes in their bodies as they recover from the delivery process. She uses all her many years of experience to listen to patients and families and then responds in the most compassionate, professional way. Family support in the midst of perinatal loss is challenging, draining work, yet Pat continues to offer the highest level of care in every loss.
When Pat humbly received her award, she added that she is thankful God uses her to minister to these families. We are truly fortunate to have her serve in this capacity and are proud to say that she is truly deserving of Brookwood’s first DAISY Award!! Congratulations Pat!!