Ann O'Connor has become instrumental in providing babies and families in the NICU the most compassionate care while experiencing the tragedy of perinatal loss. She has provided individualized compassionate care to babies and families in this most intimate and difficult time in their lives, helping them to establish life-lasting experiences during their short time together, and memories through photography and other memorabilia families are able to take with them, even when their arms are empty.
Ann's innate ability and willingness to assist families to navigate these situations is evident by the reception and gratitude families extend to her even after they have left the NICU. I had the unique opportunity to meet with Ann and one of the families she provided bereavement care to a short time after when they came to pick up their baby's memorabilia. The family expressed how Ann's caring and compassion touched them so greatly and made a tragic experience something positive and that they would always be grateful for her presence and care of their baby and the entire family during this difficult time. They remarked that they hoped all families in this situation had the opportunity that they had to walk through this type of journey with a nurse as amazing as Ann. While this family expressed that they will continue to grieve the loss of their baby, they are so appreciative for the time that they had with her, the memories they were able to create with Ann's help, and the beautiful photos Ann took to capture every essence of their baby, they will treasure forever.