Sanford
Team
February 2014
Sanford
Team
,
RNs and more
Sanford Children's NICU
Sanford USD Medical Center
Sioux Falls
,
SD
United States

 

 

 

This spotlight now has names of Honorees and photo. dhb.
On February 18th, 2014, my newborn was airlifted to Sanford Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sanford, Sioux Falls. As a nurse from Sanford Chamberlain, my worst fears had come true. I had helped transfer babies out of our facility, but now the tables were turned and I was on the other end experiencing the anxiety, fears and emotions that my patient's experience.

Amy, my flight nurse, was very kind and explained what was happening trying to ease my anxiety the best she could. When I arrived in the NICU as couple hours later, everyone was helpful and took extra steps to explain what happened during the flight and what my son's, plan of care was.

Not too long after I arrived, the fire alarms went off and we along with the other families and babies had to be evacuated down one of the halls. My emotions overcame me, as I just arrived and now this. The staff all remained calm and reassured us everything was going to be OK. At one time, the NICU manager came over and patted my shoulder and brought me a box of Kleenex. That alone helped ease my anxiety, knowing she cared. The fire alarm was false, thank God, but the compassion and ability of all the staff to remain calm helped ease us all. They made a stressful situation that could have had a lot of people panicking into a very easy transition. The NICU manager also checked the next day making sure I was doing OK.

The NICU really strives to take care of not only the babies, but they ensure the whole family if taken care of.

I cannot say enough about all the staff from the receptionist, to the volunteers to the nurses, child care advocate, social workers, case manager and providers. They all played a role helping ease the anxiety about having a baby in the NICU. I never doubted that my son wasn't in good hands. In fact the best hands around. Even though I am a fellow nurse, they all took time to explain things and explain what was happening. I could tell they all worked as a unified team, answering call lights and phone or alarms for each other in a quick manner. All the staff always greeted you, had a smile or a hello and you could tell loved their job!!

I am proud to nominate the NICU TEAM for the DAISY Award as they all deserve it!