As a Labor & Delivery nurse, one of our goals is to provide our patients with a positive and happy birth story. Getting to watch the miracle of life is apparent on Tara's face when she is at the patient's bedside. We go home most nights with a feeling of happiness in our hearts from the joy we have witnessed, getting to be a part of someone's miracle. There are also nights we go home with unbelievable sadness in our heart for the loss a family has endured with the death of their baby.
This story is an example of how Tara went above and beyond to offer emotional support to a patient and her family. It also shows how she has a passion in the delivery of excellent nursing care. A patient came into Labor and Delivery Triage with decreased fetal movement. It was confirmed that her baby had died in utero and so then the patient was moved to Labor and Delivery. Although Tara was not originally assigned to be the patient's nurse, she was helping with her admission. It was soon obvious that the patient had developed a bond with her. Tara assumed care of the patient and remained with her until the end of her shift. The patient had two previous cesarean deliveries and this baby would need to be delivered by cesarean section.
Due to various circumstances, the cesarean section was delayed. The patient and family were not only grieving but also upset by the delays. Tara continued to display a compassionate and positive attitude in this challenging situation. It was time for a change of shift and the surgery was rescheduled to 8:30 p.m. Tara told the patient she would return for the cesarean section and take photos of her baby. On a side note, a memory box with photos, footprint molds, etc. are made by the staff for the patient to take home. Many cherish these items because this is all they will have to remember their baby, so pictures are very important.
Tara was called when the patient was going to be moved back to the operating room for the delivery. She arrived about 45 minutes before moving the patient to the OR. Tara remained with the patient and provided her with not only pictures she will cherish a lifetime, but also the reassurance and compassion this patient and family needed.
After working her 12-hour shift, Tara went above and beyond by coming back in on her own time expecting no acknowledgment of her selfless act of compassion and caring. If only one act of kindness can make an unbearable situation a little better then Tara accomplished that. Tara is exactly the kind of nurse CoxHealth wants taking care of their patients.