Sue is an excellent nurse because she's compassionate, encouraging, and hardworking. She demonstrates compassion by taking gentle care of our son. For instance, when he often pulls out his nasogastric tube, Sue is very gentle in removing the tape from his face and replacing the tube. Sue's encouragement is evident during her assessments, such as checking temperatures or blood pressures, where she repeatedly assures our son saying, “You’re okay,” and “You’re doing a great job.” Furthermore, Sue stands out as the hardest worker I've seen in the NICU. She is constantly on the move, assisting her patients and spending quality time with them. Notably, Sue goes above and beyond her duties by being a team player. On a day when she wasn't assigned to our son, she took the initiative to inventory my breast milk, explaining that she had extra time with her current patient and wanted to contribute. Sue embodies the definition of an excellent nurse.

Sue goes above and beyond to establish a special connection with our family and child. She consistently takes extra time to check in with us and engage with our son. Even on days when Sue isn't assigned as our nurse, she makes a point to visit, inquire about our son's day, and ask if there's anything we need. This regular outreach demonstrates her genuine care and commitment. In addition, when we share with Sue an accomplishment our son had for that day, she responds with genuine excitement. Sue's consistent presence, genuine interest, and shared joy in our achievements create a truly special connection that positively impacts our family.

Sue demonstrates exceptional dedication to educating our family, particularly in the context of oral feedings. Firstly, Sue consistently encourages us to attempt oral feedings just before the nasogastric feeding begins. This guidance is invaluable as the hospital environment can be overwhelming, and we sometimes forget or hesitate to engage in bottle/breastfeeding due to the challenges our son may face. Sue not only offers timely reminders but also reinforces the techniques taught by our speech, occupational, and lactation therapists. An example of Sue's commitment to our educational needs occurred on a weekend when specialty services were unavailable. Knowing my goal to breastfeed, Sue noticed my struggle during a breastfeeding attempt. Despite the absence of specialized services, Sue proactively reached out to another nurse with a lactation certification. This nurse promptly came to assist, providing valuable coaching and support. This experience was enlightening and contributed significantly to my learning journey. Sue extends her educational efforts to our son as well. During assessments, she engages with him by reading books and teaches him interactive actions, such as reaching for the crib mobile toys. These simple yet impactful lessons not only benefit our son's development but also educate us as first-time parents in a hospital setting, where guidelines for supporting a baby's development may be less clear. 

Sue consistently creates a comforting atmosphere for our family and child through her kindness and gentle demeanor. Whenever J is upset, Sue goes above and beyond by picking him up, offering comfort, and ensuring he is settled before leaving the room. This compassionate approach significantly contributes to J's well-being and reassures us as parents. A notable instance of Sue's dedication to our family's comfort occurred when my husband and I had to leave the hospital for a few hours. During our absence, my sister-in-law stepped in to spend time with our son. Sue's considerate and attentive nature made a significant impact on her experience. Moving patients with all their monitoring equipment can be intimidating for occasional visitors, but Sue went out of her way to make my sister-in-law feel at ease. Regular check-ins and proactive assistance, such as monitoring through the camera and promptly addressing any needs, showcased Sue's commitment to the well-being of both our child and our family. Sue's genuine care for our son resonates throughout our family, creating a sense of comfort that is invaluable during our time in the hospital. We are grateful for the compassionate and attentive care Sue provides, which extends far beyond the medical aspects of her role.

Sue consistently ensures our family's active participation in the planning of J's care. Notably, she consults with us on our preferences for the day, including the timing of baths and stroller walks on the NICU floor. This collaborative approach helps us maintain a sense of normalcy and control during our stay. Sue goes the extra mile by accommodating our routines, such as performing assessments while J is in our arms, particularly if he is asleep. This thoughtful gesture minimizes disruptions to his rest and enhances our overall experience by allowing us to enjoy moments of closeness. Beyond the daily activities, Sue engages us in discussions about the next steps in J's care, especially as we prepare for his transition home. Her frequent interactions with us have cultivated a level of comfort that encourages open communication. Importantly, Sue encourages us to participate in rounds with our Care Team, emphasizing the value of seeking additional information and actively contributing to the decision-making process. Sue's flexibility and collaborative approach have significantly contributed to our family's sense of inclusion in J's care. We appreciate her dedication to making us feel informed and supported.