Sarah Stone
September 2023
Sarah
Stone
,
RN
NICU
Our Lady of Lourdes Health - Women's & Children's Hospital
Lafayette
,
LA
United States
Every day, Sarah made it a point to check on us. She had patients of her own to tend to, but she would take the time to view his stats and cheer with us for each of his victories.
In honor of NICU Awareness Month, I would like to nominate Sarah Stone for the DAISY Award. Our son is currently 17 months old. I knew since the day that we met Sarah that she deserved recognition, but it took me some time to be able to put into words the gratitude we have for her and express our thanks. Let me start by saying, that every staff member of the hospital was exceptional, but Sarah stood out to us and will forever be a part of our hearts. Here is a little bit of our story and what made Sarah stand out above all the other wonderful staff members that we had the opportunity to meet.
Our son was admitted to the NICU approximately 16 hours after his birth. Having a child in the NICU is something that no parent wants to experience. Me and my husband were devastated by the news, and it took an emotional toll on both of us. Our son, who appeared to be perfect, was now hooked up to machines and monitors. It was the day that we we’re completely changed and will never be the same.
Sarah’s shift began the morning following his admission. She took the time to explain everything to us, what all of the numbers meant, and what his stay would look like. The compassion that she displayed during his stay was above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. There was something about her presence that put my new momma heart at ease. She laughed with us, cried with us, and was there each visit to greet us with a smile, update us, and answer any additional questions that we may have had. A few days later, we received great news: our son was being moved to a new pod. A pod for those babies that were in a less critical state. Great news, but why were we sad? With moving to a new pod, it also meant that we may have had to change nurses. We were losing someone who we had grown comfortable with. Much to our surprise, when we arrived the next morning, we were greeted by that same familiar face. Sarah had been moved to the same pod with us, however, she was no longer assigned as his nurse. Every day, Sarah made it a point to check on us. She had patients of her own to tend to, but she would take the time to view his stats and cheer with us for each of his victories. She loved on him as if he was her own, and we are forever grateful for that.
Our stay in the NICU was much shorter than others, but we have a newfound respect for anyone who works in that environment. Not only are they relentlessly caring and fighting for the most vulnerable of babies, but they are also left to deal with families experiencing indescribable pain. It takes a very strong and compassionate individual to step into that role each and every day.
Our son was admitted to the NICU approximately 16 hours after his birth. Having a child in the NICU is something that no parent wants to experience. Me and my husband were devastated by the news, and it took an emotional toll on both of us. Our son, who appeared to be perfect, was now hooked up to machines and monitors. It was the day that we we’re completely changed and will never be the same.
Sarah’s shift began the morning following his admission. She took the time to explain everything to us, what all of the numbers meant, and what his stay would look like. The compassion that she displayed during his stay was above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. There was something about her presence that put my new momma heart at ease. She laughed with us, cried with us, and was there each visit to greet us with a smile, update us, and answer any additional questions that we may have had. A few days later, we received great news: our son was being moved to a new pod. A pod for those babies that were in a less critical state. Great news, but why were we sad? With moving to a new pod, it also meant that we may have had to change nurses. We were losing someone who we had grown comfortable with. Much to our surprise, when we arrived the next morning, we were greeted by that same familiar face. Sarah had been moved to the same pod with us, however, she was no longer assigned as his nurse. Every day, Sarah made it a point to check on us. She had patients of her own to tend to, but she would take the time to view his stats and cheer with us for each of his victories. She loved on him as if he was her own, and we are forever grateful for that.
Our stay in the NICU was much shorter than others, but we have a newfound respect for anyone who works in that environment. Not only are they relentlessly caring and fighting for the most vulnerable of babies, but they are also left to deal with families experiencing indescribable pain. It takes a very strong and compassionate individual to step into that role each and every day.