It takes exceptional nurses to provide medical care to an infant that is born with a life-limiting condition. On July 15th a patient was admitted to the Special Care Nursery with a diagnosis that was considered "not compatible with life". Vanessa Williams, Lora Carberry, Donna O'Brien, Chris DiPascale and Clare Verdon, and Lisa Shively were the nursing team that made this tiny patient's 2 days on earth worth living for. Each and every nurse made this patient their absolute priority, they spent their shifts comforting, holding and loving this baby boy. As a medical professional, when you look at a newborn who is breathing, pink and looks perfect it is hard to grasp that something inside could be so wrong. It is even harder for parents to understand. This team of nurses spent substantial time educating, supporting and consoling the family regarding their son's condition. Conversations leading to decision making and planning regarding end of life wishes, while difficult, are necessary to provide a peaceful and dignified death for the infant and for the family of the infant. The nurses listed above gave everything they had clinically and emotionally every shift. They truly provided "Special Care"!

The Special Care Nursery Team:
Vanessa Williams,
Lora Carberry,
Donna O'Brien,
Chris DiPascale,
Clare Verdon,
Lisa Shively