November 2025 Honoree
Shelley Ryner, RN
When your 5-month-old starts vomiting at 9 pm and continues to be ill for over an hour, your mind starts to race.
Do I know how to keep him hydrated overnight? What do I do if he can't keep any breastmilk down? How long is too long to be vomiting for a child this young?
These were all questions swirling in my mind.
He isn't my first child, but he is the first of my children to have to battle a stomach bug this young.
After over an hour of vomiting, I called the after-hours nurse and was warmly greeted by a calm, professional voice stating, "Hi, my name is Shelley. I am a nurse. How can I help you?"
Shelley listened to what was going on at home, asked pertinent questions, and more than anything provided personalized, compassionate care.
Shelley did more than read prompts on a screen; she thoroughly assessed the situation, asked clarifying questions when needed, and talked through the situation with me with ease.
She reassured me that we were doing everything right at home and gave me the information I needed to feel confident heading into the overnight hours with a sick baby. She encouraged me to call back if symptoms changed in any way stating, "we're here all night, keep us posted".
I didn't feel like a bother calling for medical support so late at night; I felt supported and cared for.
Thank you so much, Shelley, for the compassionate care you provided, which equipped me with the confidence I needed to care for my sick baby at home through the overnight hours!
Do I know how to keep him hydrated overnight? What do I do if he can't keep any breastmilk down? How long is too long to be vomiting for a child this young?
These were all questions swirling in my mind.
He isn't my first child, but he is the first of my children to have to battle a stomach bug this young.
After over an hour of vomiting, I called the after-hours nurse and was warmly greeted by a calm, professional voice stating, "Hi, my name is Shelley. I am a nurse. How can I help you?"
Shelley listened to what was going on at home, asked pertinent questions, and more than anything provided personalized, compassionate care.
Shelley did more than read prompts on a screen; she thoroughly assessed the situation, asked clarifying questions when needed, and talked through the situation with me with ease.
She reassured me that we were doing everything right at home and gave me the information I needed to feel confident heading into the overnight hours with a sick baby. She encouraged me to call back if symptoms changed in any way stating, "we're here all night, keep us posted".
I didn't feel like a bother calling for medical support so late at night; I felt supported and cared for.
Thank you so much, Shelley, for the compassionate care you provided, which equipped me with the confidence I needed to care for my sick baby at home through the overnight hours!
Thank you, Shelley, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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