I am a CSA in the CVICU and have worked here for over 4 years. I work quite a bit of hours on a consistent basis so as you probably can guess I have worked with a lot of nurses. Rosanne is the nurse who at the end of the day you want to have as your child's nurse. She has the patients who are typically in our IMC part of our unit and are usually here long term. The patients' families aren't usually here. So they don't get much attention or affection, sadly. She, in one word, is extraordinary! Countless times I have walked by her rooms and there she is sitting on a mat, a child in between her legs helping them play, making funny noises and playing with the kiddos who typically just hang out in their cribs. Treating them as if they're normal healthy kids, even though they have tubes coming from everywhere and are not the easiest to get on the floor. She makes sure they are given a bath, smelling fresh and clean, cute little outfits and always stimulated with toys, mobiles or music playing. Rosanne treats them like her own. The love she has for these kids is so inspiring.
Today was not any different than any other shift I work with her. By 8 am she's giving a bath, outfit laid out and interacting like a family member would with their own. I stand there just amazed as always. I walked by later on in the shift and there she is once again, this time laying on her back, a child on her tummy, bouncing her, playing with her, laying her on her chest, caring for her the way any loved one would. Then it came to me, Rosanne will never be recognized for the amazing over the top care she gives because unfortunately, the families don't see it, most people don't get to witness the love she has for these kids. I did and I do every shift I work with her. All nurses should aspire to be as compassionate and loving even when it appears to go unnoticed.