Recently, we had an admission from Bayfront Baby Place. The father accompanied the baby to the bedside, which is common when babies are admitted from Bayfront. However, this admission quickly turned more serious as the baby began to have complications. The father chose to not leave the bedside and watched as staff treated his child. It was obvious the father was visibly upset.
There were many medical staff at the bedside; however, Denise took it upon herself to kneel by the father. She put her hand on his shoulder and began speaking softly to him. I don't know what she said, but she had him smiling and laughing through the fear. Though he was still lost and scared, at least he wasn't alone. She sat there with him until the procedure was done and he could be near his baby. Denise stepped in and left a lasting impression on this father and me.
This is very typical of Denise. She is one of the most genuine and compassionate nurses I have had the honor to work alongside. I look up to her and can only hope that one day I can give back to a family in the same way that she has.
***
Denise has been an integral part of the NICU team. She is truly committed to providing high quality care and strives to continue to improve care for patients and their families. She is sensitive and compassionate in her approach to our tiny patients. She is always ready to help and does an amazing job problem solving. Denise has received numerous bravos from her peers for team work and collaboration. She continues to challenge herself to be a continuous learner, expanding her knowledge and skill set. Denise is truly an asset to the NICU team and the ACH nursing staff and we are all blessed to have her.
Thank you, Denise, for the compassionate care you provide our patients.