A patient from the Milagro Clinic had a precipitous, preterm delivery outside of the hospital. This was her second loss of a pregnancy within the last year and it was very difficult for her to handle. She left the hospital before she could get any mementos of her baby. Later she called the clinic to find out where the mementos were. The Milagro Charge Nurse called Women's Special Care and nothing was found. Cristal was working on Women's Special Care that day and realized how important these mementos were to the patient. She located the infant's body and prepared hand and foot prints, and made imprints, as well. She also found a blanket and other mementos for the box. Cristal demonstrated how important it is to provide memories and acknowledge the birth of a baby, even when the baby is too young to survive.
At the time Cristal created these mementos, the unit was very busy and short-staffed. She is a role model for how nurses can support a patient in the grieving process, and the patient's family too. This patient has a history of substance use, and unfortunately these kinds of patients encounter judgmental attitudes in and outside the health care system because of their lifestyle and previous choices. Cristal was caring and non-judgmental. She coordinated with the staff at the Milagro Clinic to ensure this patient was taken care of and supported during a very emotional time. Cristal made sure the patient got her memory box while the patient was at the clinic, within 2 hours of her asking for them.
Cristal clearly demonstrated the therapeutic use of self and she set a high standard for us to achieve in caring for all patients, regardless of their history.