Vickie Weatherholtz has been a nurse and advocate for our son since his arrival at VCU two months ago. Born 16 weeks early and weighing merely 1 ½ pounds, he requires constant care and needs no less than a surrogate parent at times we cannot be present. Vickie is knowledgeable, supportive and knows the needs of our son exceptionally well. Not coincidentally, our son flourishes on days he is in Vickie’s care. She cares for him as if he were her own child, which for parents separated (by time and distance) from their child, means the world to us.
Vickie upholds the values and principles for which VCU Hospital prides itself. She engages our family, encouraging communication and participation (family-centered care); some examples include teaching us how to care for our critically ill infant, helping us establish a support system through networking with other families, creating cards for his (4 year old) sister, allowing his sister to “talk” with him on the phone, etc. Vickie demonstrates the perfect balance of compassion and professionalism.
Vickie surpasses the already high expectations of a NICU nurse and she exemplifies a “DAISY Nurse.” Although our words cannot adequately express our appreciation, we want Vickie to know how much she means to our family.