Shelly Varvil is a truly remarkable nurse. A young couple (only 17) were wrestling with the unbelievably difficult decision of whether to give their beautiful baby boy up for adoption. As fate would have it, Shelly was assigned to be their nurse. Over the course of the day, I witnessed caring and compassion from Shelly that went beyond the call of duty. She supported these young parents to make one of the most monumental decisions of their lives and she did it with grace, patience, and genuine concern.
Shelly sat with them as the adoption agent walked them through the overwhelming process. She listened to what they wanted and acted as a liaison for them and their family when opinions differed. Most importantly she gave them the confidence to believe in themselves and their ability to make the right choice. If that wasn't enough, she also met with the adoptive parents when they arrived at the hospital, helped orient them to their room and the whole process. She stayed with all of them as they met for the first time and facilitated the baby's first interaction with the adoptive parents. I witnessed an angel in human form that day. Shelly provided that family with a positive, supportive, and loving experience that they will surely carry with them the rest of their lives. I'm so proud to work alongside her.