This week I witnessed a nurse going above and beyond in our profession of Nursing. There was a patient who was scheduled to come in for a C-section for a baby that would not survive. Lisa got her room ready the day before by personalizing the room with aromatherapy and setting up music for the patient. When the patient was admitted, Lisa spent hours supporting the patient and crying with her. Lisa worked hard to get molds of the baby's hands and feet. When it was time for her to take another patient (although she was still providing care to this patient); she took another mother who had a fetal demise.
Lisa has worked hard to get our staff prepared for caring for families that experience fetal demise. She serves on our Bereavement Committee. This committee has improved the care we provide to families that experience this great loss. The work of this committee has provided consistency across our unit in the care provided to meet the needs of these grieving families. They created a binder that is organized and developed a specific guide for all the necessary paperwork.
Because of this action, the Family Birthing Center staff can be present and care for the patient and their family during this time of loss and not spend time stressing over paperwork.