We had a laboring patient who arrived under the influence of substances with her young child. There was no one with them that could tend to the boy, who was non-verbal at four years of age. Instead, our Labor & Delivery unit came together and surrounded him with tender loving care. It was not their job, but they ensured that he felt safe, respected, cared for, and loved.
By the end of the evening, Janelle Simmons had him cradled in her arms resting peacefully and we could all see that they had bonded. The charge nurse and nursing administrator approached Janelle several times stating it was time to let go so that she could go home to her children. Janelle twice refused, stating that her own children "were safe at home, loved on, and cared for. I can stay a little while longer."
When the time came to let go, Janelle and the boy were both were in tears and it was evident that it was too hard to let go. This moment made me so proud to be a Labor & Delivery team member. To see our nurses and ancillary come together and go above and beyond to provide exceptional care to a young child in this situation was and is inspiring and a testament to all we do here at Woman's Hospital.