Zachary Schellhase
March 2023
Zachary
Schellhase
,
RN, BSN, M-ED, NPD-BC
General Patient Care
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
Atlanta
,
GA
United States

 

 

 

The care and kindness he showed my infant son was something I have never witnessed a nurse do. He talked to him like a grown adult. My son adored it.
My son was admitted to the hospital after my husband accidentally dropped him. He had a skull fracture and we were terrified. When we were admitted to 1st floor, this nurse was the first person we met as he was waiting in our room to greet us. He explained he would be our nurse for the day (which turned out to be two days) and with every question he asked I felt compassion and care from him. I never felt judged and as a parent who had a child fall, I know that can't be easy. He explained to me it happens more than parents think and reassured me I was not a terrible mother. I was breastfeeding and he always came in so respectfully and ensured I felt safe and comfortable. The care and kindness he showed my infant son was something I have never witnessed a nurse do. He talked to him like a grown adult. My son adored it. He joked when my son was upset and crying that he would "take my son's complaints right to Donna Hyland". I was in hysterics on both shifts and felt so cared for. The time he took to educate me on risks after we left and went home prepared me beyond measure. He gave us helpful tips to do neuro assessments and ensure no complications. I have never been to a hospital with someone who went out of his way to ensure hourly I felt safe and ok. As I left he walked me out the front door even and I grabbed him and gave him the biggest hug. I hope I didn't scare him but the system needs to know this nurse changed my view on healthcare. It's not a place of judgment but rather compassion and love. He made us feel like we were his only patient, and I know it's not true because I could tell he was running all day but he never made me feel like he wasn't available. Thank you for taking the time to teach me, to help me, and to heal our son! 

***

My daughter had a recent stay on the 1st floor. We had some really bad nurse experiences with nurses and techs and then this amazing nurse showed up. He walked in with such a sweet spirit I felt at ease. My daughter had some PTSD from previous nurses and told him right away. He got down on her level and said so kindly, we are going to finish your stay with fun and smiles. She dealt with such pain and this nurse was always there not only with pain medication, but amazing therapeutic pain management. He played stuffed animals with her and always made her giggle. He took the time to help me understand her needs and listen when I had concerns. Each time she had to get up, he prepared her and counted and found ways to engage her in her own care. When we left she was so sad to leave. This stay started out terrible but this nurse made this such a joy. Thank you.