I stumbled upon the DAISY Award while searching the internet for ideas on how to say thank you to nurses who have provided exceptional care. I was at a loss as to how to properly thank an OB-GYN nurse at Little Company of Mary Hospital who had provided me with not just “exceptional” care, but extraordinary care while I was delivering my fourth child. Gina Demas, RN was that nurse.
Gina arrived for the night shift and was assigned to me, the patient in Room 2 who would be delivering a baby with a chromosomal defect called Trisomy 13. My baby was not expected to survive long after birth due to extensive congenital defects. I was scared when Gina arrived, because I had a different nurse for the entire day, with whom I had become extremely comfortable. Making the change to a new nurse, when my delivery was imminent, put me on edge. There was no need for worry, I soon discovered, because Gina stepped in and became my “rock” during one of the most difficult and emotional times of my life. Gina, with her calm personality and light-up-the-room smile, assured me that all of the wishes I had outlined in my birth plan would be respected. That plan included, among other things, my wish for no fetal heart monitoring during delivery, no invasive suctioning or resuscitation after birth and discreetly checking for the baby’s heartbeat if it appeared she had passed away (we did not want our other children to be frightened.) These wishes required Gina to ignore her typical nursing practices, which she did with grace and compassion…and always with a smile.
As the nurses and staff were preparing the room for our baby’s delivery, Gina and I talked and laughed, which was exactly what I needed at that time. The surge of endorphins from the laughter calmed me for the stressful moments that lay ahead. It was at that moment that I realized that Gina truly was going to be my “rock.”
My sweet baby girl, Elizabeth Marie, arrived living and Gina quickly had her cleaned then placed her against my skin, as I had wished. Gina watched me and my baby closely from the far side of the room, while the room erupted in chaos after we invited our family in for Elizabeth’s baptism and for pictures. The baby had had an episode of apnea while my other children were there; all I had to do was nod at Gina and she quietly came to check the baby’s heartbeat. Thankfully, Elizabeth was still alive. During the course of the next several hours after Elizabeth’s birth, Gina literally stayed by our side. She physically pushed an extra bed in the room so my husband and I could sleep together while holding our baby. She sat quietly in the corner, ready to jump into action should we need her (which we did…when the baby had three additional, scary episodes of apnea.) Her presence in the room brought us much-needed comfort.
The following night, Gina was once again assigned to me, for which I was so thankful. I had asked her if she had slept well after the stressful night before, but she admitted she had not, because she said she could not get us off of her mind! I felt bonded with Gina on a different level at that point, and that bond grew even stronger in the hours ahead. Despite Elizabeth’s extensive challenges, she was still a “typical newborn” in that she was fussy at night. My husband and I were beyond exhausted, and Gina could see that, so she stayed in our room and soothed, cuddled and walked with Elizabeth for three hours straight so we could sleep. I am forever grateful for that precious sleep; I would not have been able to care for my baby if I had not had those hours of rest. Gina truly had the “magic touch.”
Elizabeth lived for four weeks, two of which were at LCMH. Gina came to visit us and always offered to hold the baby so that we could sleep. Even after our Elizabeth went to heaven, Gina came to her memorial mass to offer her condolences. We were overwhelmed by her compassion, empathy and commitment. She was our “rock” and we feel blessed to have had her with us before, during and after Elizabeth’s birth. LCMH is fortunate to have such an extraordinary caregiver as a member of their nursing staff.