I would like to recognize one exceptional neonatal nurse that has been the primary nurse caring for one of our babies diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Yanisley has made it her mission to oversee that he gets meticulous care. EB is a rare genetic skin disease (affecting only 1 out of 50,000 births). In this condition, there is a defect in the connective tissue of the skin and mucous membranes that causes the skin to be so fragile that the slightest friction, minor injury, heat, rubbing, or scratching causes severe blistering such as inside the mouth, stomach, esophagus. There is NO cure for this horrific disease. EB has been compared to having third-degree burns. They live in unthinkable pain. With skin as fragile as butterfly wings, EB patients are dubbed "Butterfly Children". Having to wrap each tiny little infant finger with Vaseline gauze and then cover it with gauze to prevent the hand from scarring, webbing and contracting. It is important to have time allocated during the shift for the care of skin and lengthy dressing changes to minimize pain. One of the greatest challenges is controlling pain during dressing changes. Dressing changes can take several hours.
The family is so grateful to Yanisley because she is compassionate and concerned over their baby's welfare. Yanisley has taken on this complex assignment every day she's been on duty with a great amount of empathy. Yanisley gives extraordinary compassion and skillful care every day. This is a very tough assignment because of the severity of the baby's illness. Yanisley has shown her devotion by consistently going above and beyond in order for the patient to have continuity of care. Yanisley is a true professional with an amazing heart.