I would like to nominate NICU nurse Jane Wengert, BSN, RNC-NIC, for the DAISY Award for the exceptional, compassionate care she provided one of our complex-needs patients and her entire family. This was a baby facing the long term need for medical assistance at home who ended up with a tracheostomy, ventilator and gastrostomy tube at discharge. Jane consistently cared for her and was a tireless patient advocate. She was often the first to notice slight changes in the baby that warranted further investigation by the medical team. Jane was patient and thorough as she methodically taught the family the skills and assessments they need to successfully care for their daughter at home. She welcomed suggestions from each member of the multidisciplinary team to help the baby achieve her best possible outcome.
Of special note was how Jane developed a warm, loving bond with the baby's older sister, who was mature beyond her years and very involved in the baby's care. Jane recognized the desire and ability to help this young girl demonstrated and she took the time to include her in all aspects of her sister's care, along with the mother. Jane deserves this DAISY Award for not only the excellent nursing care of the patient but because she went above and beyond in providing opportunities for this family to create special, lasting memories, despite being in the NICU for many months.
On Halloween, Jane instructed the mother to bring in a stroller so the family could "trick or treat". Both the patient and her sister were dressed in adorable costumes, our Resp Therapist managed and Jane pushed the ventilator, monitored the baby and pushed the feeding pump, and the older sister was just delighted as they walked around the NICU and to various offices for their treats. Jane provided another opportunity for the family to get out of their NICU room and into the family lounge for a birthday celebration for the older sister. There were many heartwarming photos taken for the family to treasure, birthday cake, presents from family and some of our nurses, and even the baby seemed happy with the party! Over Christmas, Jane again transported the patient and her family to the lounge for holiday pictures under the Christmas Tree, with the girls dressed in their holiday finest.
Day after day I heard teaching the family G tube management, trach care, medications, bathing, and encouraging the family every step of the way in their long journey. She used an interpreter when needed, and provided remarkable, outstanding care to the patient and her family. Jane truly embraces RBC and models it in her recognition and support of the value of FAMILY as key members of the care team with our patients in the NICU.