June 2018
Brenda
Gehrke
,
ADN, RN
Neonatal ICU
Spectrum Health- Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
Grand Rapids
,
MI
United States
My son was sent to HDVCH unexpectedly after delivery at another hospital. Brenda was the day shift nurse caring for him for several days as we awaited heart surgery for TGA. Knowing that we had our other two sons (ages 2 and 5), she made sure we were aware of all the child life services and always made our room a comfortable place for visitors. She came into the room to talk with me frequently while my family was away (trying to entertain the little ones).
The day prior to surgery, she took us on a tour of the PICU to ease our fears of the coming days ahead. She was scheduled to work the morning our son went to the OR but had the option to have the day off due to staffing numbers. Although she was at home, she called the unit and spoke directly to me, offering her well wishes and prayers for our baby boy. I'm forever grateful for her kindness and experience.
The day prior to surgery, she took us on a tour of the PICU to ease our fears of the coming days ahead. She was scheduled to work the morning our son went to the OR but had the option to have the day off due to staffing numbers. Although she was at home, she called the unit and spoke directly to me, offering her well wishes and prayers for our baby boy. I'm forever grateful for her kindness and experience.