We recently had a Texas Department of Criminal Justice, TDCJ, patient that was on our unit for induction. Over the years the rules and protocols have changed on whether or not these moms get to keep their babies in the room with them after delivery. Recently, we have implemented a process allowing the moms to room in with their baby as long as there are no dangers to the child and certain guidelines are met.
This is fairly new to a lot of both UMTB and TCDJ staff, including the officers. Jennifer Chargois was the nurse caring for this patient and as usual, she was extremely tentative and caring to her. After the patient delivered, there was a discussion of whether or not the patient kept the baby with her based on the new algorithm. The guard in the patient’s room was adamant that the patient was not to have her baby and "they have never done that." Jennifer informed her of the recent change, however, the guard insisted this was not the case and proceeded to call the Warden to verify. The warden supported the guard and stated she was unaware of this as well. Jennifer spoke with not only the warden of TDCJ but also with the Nursing Director of WIC, to determine how this could be communicated and facilitated so that this patient would be able to keep her baby with her.
I admire Jennifer’s compassion for all of her patients! She never ceases to set the bar higher every day and truly goes above and beyond to take the best care of all of her patients. She demonstrated not only excellent care but excellent personal skills and communication with various teams and departments to have made this possible for this patient.