Susan Reali
November 2013
Susan
Reali
,
RN II
Neonatal Intensive Care
All Children's Hospital
St. Petersburg
,
FL
United States
My wife and I are meticulous planners. We knew the exact time we would begin attempting to have a child five years ago. So naturally when our daughter, Sadie, arrived emergency C-section at 33 weeks we were at a loss of what to do. We had subscribed to all the pregnancy websites, read the recommended books, and even taken a few classes. As educated as we were on what to do when Sadie gets home, we were not prepared for the almost 50 day stay in All Children's NICU.
On day 3 of life Sadie was moved to NICU north. This was the day we met Sue Reali. Our initial meeting was brief and looking back somewhat unremarkable. She won our hearts initially with her acceptance of us. Sadie has two Mommy's and despite the evolution of social acceptance we do occasionally meet professionals that are uncomfortable with our same-sex family. On this day I looked at Sue as just a nurse that was culturally sensitive, but I see now she is far more than a nurse. She was a teacher, a therapist and a friend.
Sue taught us countless secrets of how to take care of our premature baby. In addition we learned countless secrets of calming a crying baby, burping, dispensing medicines and bathing. The most important service Sue provided was unconditional emotional support. There were many days when eyes were teary and hearts were low. My wife and I felt lost and in unfamiliar territory. Sue took time and comforted us.
On one particularly low day Sue advocated for us and we moved from an open room next to a community bathroom into a private room. During our time in NICU I continued to work my 8-5 job. Every morning I visited with Sadie before work. It was comforting to know that leaving Sadie with Sue was like leaving her with a family member. Sue cared for Sadie as if she were her own child/grandchild.
I work with the community and I have met all different types of people. The majority of the people I have met hate their job and only work for the monetary reward. Sue loves her career and it is clear that she was made to be a neonatal nurse. She is kind, gentle and genuine. We are blessed to have had Sue Reali as our daughter's primary nurse during our time at All Children's.
On day 3 of life Sadie was moved to NICU north. This was the day we met Sue Reali. Our initial meeting was brief and looking back somewhat unremarkable. She won our hearts initially with her acceptance of us. Sadie has two Mommy's and despite the evolution of social acceptance we do occasionally meet professionals that are uncomfortable with our same-sex family. On this day I looked at Sue as just a nurse that was culturally sensitive, but I see now she is far more than a nurse. She was a teacher, a therapist and a friend.
Sue taught us countless secrets of how to take care of our premature baby. In addition we learned countless secrets of calming a crying baby, burping, dispensing medicines and bathing. The most important service Sue provided was unconditional emotional support. There were many days when eyes were teary and hearts were low. My wife and I felt lost and in unfamiliar territory. Sue took time and comforted us.
On one particularly low day Sue advocated for us and we moved from an open room next to a community bathroom into a private room. During our time in NICU I continued to work my 8-5 job. Every morning I visited with Sadie before work. It was comforting to know that leaving Sadie with Sue was like leaving her with a family member. Sue cared for Sadie as if she were her own child/grandchild.
I work with the community and I have met all different types of people. The majority of the people I have met hate their job and only work for the monetary reward. Sue loves her career and it is clear that she was made to be a neonatal nurse. She is kind, gentle and genuine. We are blessed to have had Sue Reali as our daughter's primary nurse during our time at All Children's.