Wendy's clinical skills and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model.

Within the past year, the Acute Hemodialysis Unit's pediatric population has grown tremendously. The Dialysis staff have truly expanded their skill sets from adult ERSD/AKI patients to a growing number of pediatric patients. It has been extremely stressful for some of the nurses to incorporate the pediatric patient population. Wendy has been a leader in compassionate care of these "small" patients. The first chronic pediatric patient to conform to a regimented dialysis schedule (M-W-F-S) was a five year old. She looked so tiny as she entered the dialysis unit for the first time, as she held her mother's hand.

Wendy Short began working very closely with the patient and her family. It was so endearing watching Wendy develop such a unique and compassionate relationship. Wendy truly role modeled exemplary care of the pediatric patient. Because of Wendy's actions, staff anxiety levels decreased tremendously as they observed Wendy caring for this patient.

The patient seemed to adapt well to dialysis. The patient's medical history revealed a Wilm's Tumor (in one kidney, then the other) - thus, both kidneys had been removed resulting in chronic Hemodialysis 4x/week. Wendy cared for the patient quite often. The goal was to prepare the patient for peritoneal dialysis and then kidney transplantation. The outlook was very promising. And Wendy was so positive and playfully silly in her interactions with the little girl, I could see the patient and family becoming quite attached to Wendy and visa-versa.

Unfortunately, the patient took a turn for the worse, and the medical team discovered the tumors had reoccurred throughout her abdomen, thus negating the future goals of peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. The child was placed on palliative care (continuing Hemodialysis and chemotherapy.) The family was stunned and bewildered. Wendy was determined to support the patient and family throughout the days ahead.

Wendy made a significant difference in the patient and family's life when she went above and beyond, contacting the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation to enter the child in a trip to Disney World (as a princess). The wish was granted, although the medical team did not feel it would be feasible for the patient to travel such a distance. Thus, Busch Gardens became the destination and the little girl was deemed "princess for a day". Wendy worked so well with numerous individuals coordinating this amazing event. The little girl was transported to Busch Gardens via limousine with her family, cousins, and of course Wendy. At the park, the child's hair had been "beautified" with a wink (as most of her hair had fallen out due to the chemotherapy.) In addition, she was dressed in a beautiful princess gown. It was such a special day. Wendy had numerous pictures of the girl smiling, radiating pure joy. Her mother was full of smiles and happiness, as she showed many of the staff her photos upon returning for dialysis the subsequent day.

Wendy's kindness, sincerity, and passion for life were so evident in this extraordinary nurse-patient relationship. Sadly, in recent days, the little girl is declining, and the outlook ahead is quite grim. It has become quite difficult for Wendy, overcome by looming sadness.

I feel Wendy should be recognized for the love and compassion she poured out upon this little girl and her family, especially now since the little girl will be gone soon.