January 2019
Dream
Somkul
,
MSN, RN
NICU
Advocate Children's Hospital
Oak Lawn
,
IL
United States
My son L was born at Advocate Christ Medical Center this year. He was admitted to the NICU for a 6-day stay due to hypoglycemia and jaundice. For our few 2 days in the NICU we were in our own private suite in Neighborhood Green, but as more critical patients arrived, L was moved to a postpartum room shared with 2 other babies. We were introduced to Dream the same day we were introduced to this new, small, overwhelming room. Dream was extremely comforting and explained to us this move was like a "step down unit" and it meant that L was well enough to not be in a secure room. Dream was beyond kind and compassionate. You can tell that she puts her entire heart into her job and loves all her patients/babies. Dream even took the time to make a banner with L's name, and laminated handprints as a keepsake. After a rough day of L not eating and the doctor informing us it could be some time until the NG tube was removed, my husband and I left the NICU quite bummed. Dream must have seen the disappointment and sadness in our eyes as we left that evening because when we got home she called us and asked for our permission to text us pictures of L. This gesture of kindness and empathy to go out of her way and use her personal cell phone to send us pictures will never be forgotten. those pictures that night helped us sleep and know that our son was in great care. Dream displays the exact traits and qualities a NICU nurse should have. We appreciate you Dream!