I didn't know what a NICU was, let alone a NICU nurse. I didn't know the enormous amount of impact it would have on me and my entire family, and I especially didn't know how big of a journey this would be.
This is a story about a nurse, who in my own opinion is a true DAISY Nurse. I am the mom to a beautiful 27-week baby named J. I'm 23 and had no idea how much my life would change the night he was born. When 1 got the news that J wasn't going to wait until his due date to make his appearance, everyone in the room started talking about the plans going forward, thus came the discussion about the NICU. They told me about the NICU, the team that my family and I would be dealing with and how extraordinary technology and medical practices made it the best place for our little peanut. What they didn't tell me, which was probably the best decision on their part looking back now, was how devastatingly scary it would be. I was placed in a wheelchair and taken over to see J for the first time after giving birth to him, and there she was... Patty was diligently examining J when she turned to me with a warm smile and introduced herself. Who knew that she would be the shining light in such a dark, emotional time for not only me but my family too. She showed me the ropes, told me about care times and involved me, even though she knew how scared I was. She gave me the confidence I needed to care for my fragile little peanut. She taught me about him and about myself too. She showed me that I could do it and most importantly that I could make it through this. She reminded J's dad and I how good of a job we were doing even though we left that hospital empty handed and empty hearted every night without our little peanut in tow. She checked in on him, even on the days she wasn't assigned to him. She made it okay for me to leave, because I knew that leaving him with her, was like leaving him with superwoman. Patty not only took care of J, and many other babies, but she took care of me. She knew when I was having a bad day. She ensured that I gave myself the time that I needed to sleep and stay healthy. She made it okay, even on days where I felt like it would never be okay. I don't think that I could have made it this far, and be as confident and happy as I am if it wasn't for Patty's constant care and involvement in mine and J's life.
I know what a NICU nurse is now. They are warriors, they are friends, they are strong, they are patient, and they are kind. They are teachers; they are saviors during a dark time. Every single one of them deserves recognition. But, to me, Patty deserves it most. Because not only does she embody every single one of those traits I mentioned, she embodies my trust, my family's trust and will forever be a salient part of the most crucial time in J's life. I thank God every day that I was blessed with a son, but I also thank God every day that I was blessed with a NICU nurse who also treated my son as if he were her very own. Thank you NICU nurses, but most of all thank you, Patty. I couldn't have done this and I couldn't continue to do this without you.
Note: This is Patty's 2nd DAISY Award!