The term "nurse" encompasses many ideals, but the one universal ideal is "compassion". That is truly the perfect word to describe Wanda Hildreth.
Last week, a patient arrived on our unit ready to deliver. She and her husband had been attempting a home birth with a doula. The mom had broken her water 24 hours earlier and she had been pushing for over 5 hours. The doula and the husband were committed to a vaginal delivery. Wanda did an outstanding job of easing their fears. She assured them that it was also our desire to give them the delivery that they wanted. While the doula and the husband seemed positive and energetic, the patient appeared exhausted, frightened and defeated. Wanda immediately sensed this. She focused all her attention on the patient's physical and spiritual condition, guiding her through the hard work and pain of delivery...soon their baby boy was delivered.
Unfortunately, our joy soon turned to shock and fear. This beautiful baby was blue and still. After the Peds Team arrived, Wanda returned to the patient, giving her reassurance that the WakeMed ICN team was the best and their son was in great hands. Wanda later learned that the baby would not live. Shocked and numb, Wanda immediately went to the patient's side. Wanda held her close while the patient wept tears of sadness and grief. Wanda spoke so gently and lovingly to her, reassuring her nothing the patient did caused this and reiterated how strong and courageous she had been. She also hugged the father and reassured him that he was a wonderful support for his wife and he too should not blame himself. She encouraged them to focus on each other and to cherish this time they had with their son.
The next evening, Wanda came to work early and spent 45 minutes with the couple. They knew their son would not live long and shared their grief with Wanda. She held their hands and cried with them. The next morning they decided to turn off the ventilator and let their son go. I cannot even imagine their pain and suffering, but Wanda, sensing what they were going through, brought them a gift. Several years before, Wanda had a friend that had suffered a similar loss. Wanda was there to help her through the pain. As a token of appreciation, the woman had given Wanda a glass hummingbird with a card telling her that joy would return just like the hummingbird did year after year. Wanda gave that hummingbird to this couple...they immediately threw their arms around Wanda. Through the tears, they told her that hummingbirds were their favorite bird. They waited every June for them to come back.
Wanda's gesture was thoughtful, kind, and sincere. It was perfect. Wanda was invited to attend the funeral in Rocky Mount, NC. During the memorial, the parents made mention of all the people they had come in contact with during their stay at WakeMed, but most of all, they recognized Wanda. They said she was instrumental in helping them begin to heal. They told her how supported she made them feel.
Before we left, the patient hugged Wanda, telling her that she was her angel and had made her feel as safe and cared for as her own mother would. I cannot imagine a higher compliment.