June 2024
Stephanie
DiRubbo
,
MSN, RN
Clinical Education Department
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Glen Burnie
,
MD
United States
Stephanie met the father of the baby at the coffee shop and heard their story. The next day, Stephanie asked if I could deliver a Maryland-themed hair bow to the family as a memento for their baby, who was surprisingly born in Maryland.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Stephanie over the last four years. The first time I met Stephanie, I was a scared AACC nursing student, and she was a nurse on 5W. I remember how kind and welcoming she was with me and fellow students. She would grab us to show us cool patient experiences. It was nurses like her that made me want to work at BWMC once I graduated. I began my nursing career on 5W, and Stephanie continued to always check in on me and other new grads. She was patient and kind and always took the time to answer our questions. I knew if I felt stressed or overwhelmed, I could seek her guidance. Most recently, I started working on the mom/baby unit. I had the opportunity to shadow the special care nursery where a mom and family had recently delivered their 33-week-old baby after experiencing labor symptoms during their layover flight from another state. The family was not from Maryland and was going through many emotions. Stephanie met the father of the baby at the coffee shop and heard their story. The next day, Stephanie asked if I could deliver a Maryland-themed hair bow to the family as a memento for their baby, who was surprisingly born in Maryland. This sweet gesture shows just how compassionate and caring Stephanie is as a nurse. In addition, Stephanie has a great passion for educating our staff through running the sim lab. I am so grateful for her, and BWMC is blessed to have her.