Regina Copeland
June 2021
Regina
Copeland
,
RN
Neonatology Intensive Care Clinic (NICU)
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Nashville
,
TN
United States
In fact, Regina would start every morning with L in a joyous song that always seemed to calm her.
L was a 24-week-old born at Vanderbilt who had an 8-month stay in the NICU with a host of complications relating to her prematurity ultimately leading to her death. Regina was the first person to hand this mother her micro-preemie to hold for the very first time; the most cherished moment for a NICU nurse to be a part of thus creating a lifelong bond with the family. Regina was also the last person to hand this mother her dying child. She was invited into this sacred space and cared for this baby and family until their daughter's last breath. Not only did Regina provide this family with continuity of care, but by simply walking into the room, Regina knew what kind of care baby L would require for that day.
As L grew and her NICU course progressed, Regina was able to be a part of many family milestones from smiles and coos to even growls when she was unhappy with the care or procedure she was getting. Regina truly walked the NICU journey with this family. L loved to have stories read to her, and songs sung. In fact, Regina would start every morning with L in a joyous song that always seemed to calm her. From "This is the Day the Lord Has Made" to one of Regina's own children's recent favorites "On Top of Spaghetti" it was evident that L was engaged and interested in interacting with the staff, especially her parents and Regina.
As a part of this child's legacy which can often be cut short in the NICU, Regina found a way to make special memories with this family to sustain lifelong memories. Through developmental milestone signs, hand and footprints, and other ways to celebrate the miracle of this baby, Regina captured L’s short life with the family. When the end was drawing near, Regina advocated for MCJCHV Music Therapy to make a special recording of L heartbeat that was then placed inside a teddy bear for mom, a treasured gift. When asked how she was coping within the NICU's Butterfly Brief, a time to share the loss of a patient with other care providers in the NICU, Regina stated, "It was a privilege to be there at the end." Regina's commitment did not end there, she attended the visitation and was able to find closure and offer comfort to this mom. It is profound that from birth to death L had people who loved and cared for her, including Regina. This is what a Vanderbilt nurse looks like. No parent is ever prepared for the loss of their child but for this family, the comfort and care that Regina Copeland provided left them at peace with the loss of their sweet daughter L.
As L grew and her NICU course progressed, Regina was able to be a part of many family milestones from smiles and coos to even growls when she was unhappy with the care or procedure she was getting. Regina truly walked the NICU journey with this family. L loved to have stories read to her, and songs sung. In fact, Regina would start every morning with L in a joyous song that always seemed to calm her. From "This is the Day the Lord Has Made" to one of Regina's own children's recent favorites "On Top of Spaghetti" it was evident that L was engaged and interested in interacting with the staff, especially her parents and Regina.
As a part of this child's legacy which can often be cut short in the NICU, Regina found a way to make special memories with this family to sustain lifelong memories. Through developmental milestone signs, hand and footprints, and other ways to celebrate the miracle of this baby, Regina captured L’s short life with the family. When the end was drawing near, Regina advocated for MCJCHV Music Therapy to make a special recording of L heartbeat that was then placed inside a teddy bear for mom, a treasured gift. When asked how she was coping within the NICU's Butterfly Brief, a time to share the loss of a patient with other care providers in the NICU, Regina stated, "It was a privilege to be there at the end." Regina's commitment did not end there, she attended the visitation and was able to find closure and offer comfort to this mom. It is profound that from birth to death L had people who loved and cared for her, including Regina. This is what a Vanderbilt nurse looks like. No parent is ever prepared for the loss of their child but for this family, the comfort and care that Regina Copeland provided left them at peace with the loss of their sweet daughter L.