We received a 36-year-old female status post emergency C-section. She suffered complications following delivery including hemorrhage and secondary coagulopathy. She required emergent surgical intervention and aggressive resuscitation. Due to the extensive interventions, the patient remained intubated and transferred to the MSICU post-operatively. The baby infant was being cared for in the NICU. The patient continued to require critical management and monitoring. Late afternoon the patient's condition demonstrated signs of stabilization. The patient was requesting to see her infant. Due to the continued intensive care management and mechanical ventilation travel would be unlikely. Emily attempted to arrange for the NICU RN to bring the infant to the bedside however barriers made it impossible. Emily persisted recognizing the importance to honor her patient's request. She was instrumental in negotiating and coordinating a visit for her patient with her infant. This required approval of many involved colleagues and physicians. A complex transport to the NICU would require critical care RN transport for management of the patient and continued respiratory ventilator management.
Emily and her team leader worked together with a senior respiratory therapist to make the wish a reality, once permissions were received. Thanks to the coordinated efforts championed by Emily and that particular team, the patient was able to hold her infant "skin to skin" allowing for necessary physical and emotional bonding for both the infant and mother. As the saying goes the moment was "priceless." As a nurse practitioner and health care provider, I recognize the dedicated team at St. Joseph's Hospital that continues to strive for excellence, go the extra mile every day and show respect and reverence to their patients and families. They are truly an inspiration to us all. A special thank you goes out to Emily, a champion for her patients.