Shea M Edwards
January 2024
Shea M
Edwards
,
BSN, RN
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Children's Mercy Kansas City
Kansas City
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

She knew that Mom would have done it if she could have been there, but since Mom couldn't, Shea stepped in.
I work alongside Children’s Mercy as the Hospital Services Coordinator for Midwest Transplant Network. MTN is often times in the PICU for authorized organ donor heroes, and I have seen firsthand the amazing care and compassion of all of the PICU staff. Recently, Shea was the nurse for a little baby whose mother had authorized organ donation. Due to a couple of reasons, the baby's Mom could not stay at the bedside after MTN began managing the patient case but remained engaged over the phone with the CMH staff and through the MTN Family Services Coordinator. Shea cared for the baby for 4 nights in a row with her last night being the night that the recovery procedure occurred. I arrived onsite to assist in supporting the Honor Walk and immediately noticed that Shea had created a new sign for the baby's crib that said "Hero" with his footprints creating the "H" and she was planning on having it sent to Mom. Shea also made sure that for the final night, the little boy was never left alone in the room. She coordinated with her neighbors and resource nurses to have someone in the room at all times. Then as the Honor Walk neared, I noticed that Shea and her partners were taking the baby from his bed so I asked if I could help with anything. Shea let me know that she wanted the baby to have one more snuggle time. She knew that Mom would have done it if she could have been there, but since Mom couldn't, Shea stepped in. Shea accompanied the little hero along his Honor Walk and into the OR, ensuring that his Mom knew that he was looked after until his and Mom's final act of heroism in saving lives through organ donation was complete. Shea saw this all as part of her job as his nurse, but these actions were far bigger to Mom than just a sign or a snuggle. As a father myself, to know that the children at CMH are cared for by folks like Shea gives me great pride to work alongside them.