Leah Adcock
March 2018
Leah
Adcock
,
RN
Emergency Department
East Tennessee Children's Hospital
Knoxville
,
TN
United States

 

 

 

When I think of patient-family centered care, compassion, dedication, and advocacy I think of Leah. There are many stories that I could share about Leah that would show her heart and her passion for the families she cares for. However, the one moment that will always stick out to me, is the time she kept her promise to a grieving mother. It was an extremely busy night in the Emergency Department when we received an infant with CPR in progress. The ED team worked diligently and tirelessly to resuscitate the patient, but despite their best effort, the patient passed away. The parents had stayed as long as they could, and the funeral home had still not arrived. Before the mother left, she looked at Leah said, "Promise me that you will not put my baby alone in that cold bed." Leah promised this mother that she wouldn't and she kept her promise. She bathed her, washed her hair, and rocked her in the rocking chair. Leah did this for two hours until the funeral home finally arrived. ETCH is blessed to have someone with such character, dedication, humility, and compassion working for them. I am thankful I get to call her a co-worker and friend.