Recently, my life changed forever. I gave birth to a beautiful little girl! M has a heart condition amongst other things and was quickly brought over to Children's after being born. Sadly, I was unable to come with her right away so I had to trust the people taking her, and know once she got here that she was in good hands. That night, I was discharged from the hospital and immediately came to Children's. I was terrified, I didn't know what I would see or what to expect. All I knew was I needed to see my baby.
Rachel happened to be M's nurse that night and wow, were we lucky to have her! Right from the beginning she introduced herself and told me who she was and what the report from the previous nurse was, what the plan was prior to rounds, and where they would make changes if needed. She included me in everything she was doing, encouraged me to take as many photos as possible, and never once made me feel like I couldn't do "Mom" things. That's one of the hardest things to face coming here, wanting to be Mom. We have our babies and can only hold them for a short time before they quickly have to be transported to Children's Hospital. I felt like I was robbed of that initial bonding time most get with their newborn. Coming to Children's and having Rachel as our nurse, for multiple nights consecutively, was in itself a blessing. I was able to hold my little girl. I was able to help bathe her and change her and learn more and more about her and her conditions. Rachel was there no matter what, to answer any questions I had, she was there for me when I cried, and she helped me hold my daughter for the first time. The genuine love for her career is truly incredible and the care she gave my daughter is forever appreciated.
She's the first impression I got of the care my daughter would receive here at Nationwide Children's Hospital and let me tell you, she set the expectation pretty dang high. She still, to this day, comes and checks on M in the 11 weeks that we've been here and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts. She is who made me confident in the care and medical treatment M would receive here, through the love and care she provides her patients. Thank you so much for making her our nurse that first night and nights following. We will always be thankful for her and the rest of Nationwide Children's Hospital Staff.