Kelley Feehan
June 2013
Kelley
Feehan
,
RN
NICU
Children's Minnesota
Minneapolis
,
MN
United States
Kelley has the most calm and confident demeanor from anyone I've encounter in my 36-years on this planet.
True to the application form, Kelley exemplified compassionate care and clinical skills in working with our family. Our world changed with the birth of our first daughter. After trying for four years, with many disappointments along the way, having a baby finally was an amazing gift. But having a preemie wasn't something we were prepared for. B was born at 28 weeks weighing in at 1 pound, 10 ounces to two terrified parents and four grandparents who had other grandkids, but never a situation like this. We were unsure of the situation, unsure of the environment, unaware of what a fighter our daughter was going to be and unbeknownst to us, meeting Kelley would change our lives.
Kelley has the most calm and confident demeanor from anyone I've encounter in my 36-years on this planet. We never doubted her; never had to. Kelley was an amazing communicator with us. She explained every detail to us and knew from our verbal/nonverbal responses if we were following her or not, and would adjust the conversation or explanation. I can honestly say, I never walked away from a conversation with Kelley unsure of what was happening nor unsure of how I could explain it to another family member if I had to; she was the medical 'decoder ring' we needed to survive this.
What I liked best about Kelley is that if she didn't know the answer, which was rare, she was confident enough to say she didn't know, and quickly return with the answer. That alone was the deciding fact for us on knowing that Kelley was extremely honest with us. For me, I will remember Kelley forever for how she helped me through B's first eye test. She helped me understand what was going to happen. She knew that I cried at everything concerning B if it even made her squeal a little bit, so I told her I couldn't stay in the room for it (I left my mother-in-law who was a recently retired CRNA in the room) as I got reassurance and a hug from Kelley. I cried the entire time I was in the waiting area, until Kelley called my cell and told me it was all clear.
Again, balling for no reason (my daughter clearly wasn't bothered, she was sleeping like nothing happened), Kelley welcomed me with open arms and another hug. Anyone that can talk a crying mother into a state of calm is a miracle worker as far as I'm concerned. I'm proud to say that I stayed in the room for the second one and have the third coming up. I pull strength from my time with Kelley at each test and know that B will be okay, and so will I.
Kelley also helped me nuzzle B for the first time. I was equal parts amazed and awkward of the process, but Kelley stayed by my side to walk me through it, show me what to do and what was "normal" for B's reactions. It was a fascinating process that gave me much confidence. Now, for the most important part; how Kelley was with B.
My family quickly began calling Kelley "The Baby Whisper". No matter what B fussed about or needed (by alarms ringing or by squealing out), Kelley knew within second how to make her comfortable, sooth her, teach me to touch and sooth her, it was amazing. It was so unique that once Kelley started to talk to B, she seemed to pay attention and began to calm down. It was also a lesson in position makes the difference - since being on her stomach, side or back, would change B's reaction - and Kelley just knew what to do. It was comforting to know when Kelley was on duty with B when we were at home. I really felt like she would treat B like one of her own and not let anything happen to her.
Perhaps this part isn't in the DAISY Application necessarily, but it has to be mentioned. While it might have been a bit large (I don't think they come any smaller), Kelley was the first to put a onesie on B. It may sound strange, but that created an instant change for my entire family. No longer was this a hospital patient/family member of ours, B now became our baby, our daughter, something real. I never thought it would have that big of an impact, but it was huge. We showed that picture of her in that gray onesie to everyone.
Kelley was the definition of professional, and more than that, she was amazingly kind and caring. I believe that Kelley is a true DAISY Nurse for her consistence, excellent care not only for me, but most and importantly to B. I believe B's success is due in part to Kelley and her care and support. She definitely created an extraordinary experience for my entire family.
Kelley has the most calm and confident demeanor from anyone I've encounter in my 36-years on this planet. We never doubted her; never had to. Kelley was an amazing communicator with us. She explained every detail to us and knew from our verbal/nonverbal responses if we were following her or not, and would adjust the conversation or explanation. I can honestly say, I never walked away from a conversation with Kelley unsure of what was happening nor unsure of how I could explain it to another family member if I had to; she was the medical 'decoder ring' we needed to survive this.
What I liked best about Kelley is that if she didn't know the answer, which was rare, she was confident enough to say she didn't know, and quickly return with the answer. That alone was the deciding fact for us on knowing that Kelley was extremely honest with us. For me, I will remember Kelley forever for how she helped me through B's first eye test. She helped me understand what was going to happen. She knew that I cried at everything concerning B if it even made her squeal a little bit, so I told her I couldn't stay in the room for it (I left my mother-in-law who was a recently retired CRNA in the room) as I got reassurance and a hug from Kelley. I cried the entire time I was in the waiting area, until Kelley called my cell and told me it was all clear.
Again, balling for no reason (my daughter clearly wasn't bothered, she was sleeping like nothing happened), Kelley welcomed me with open arms and another hug. Anyone that can talk a crying mother into a state of calm is a miracle worker as far as I'm concerned. I'm proud to say that I stayed in the room for the second one and have the third coming up. I pull strength from my time with Kelley at each test and know that B will be okay, and so will I.
Kelley also helped me nuzzle B for the first time. I was equal parts amazed and awkward of the process, but Kelley stayed by my side to walk me through it, show me what to do and what was "normal" for B's reactions. It was a fascinating process that gave me much confidence. Now, for the most important part; how Kelley was with B.
My family quickly began calling Kelley "The Baby Whisper". No matter what B fussed about or needed (by alarms ringing or by squealing out), Kelley knew within second how to make her comfortable, sooth her, teach me to touch and sooth her, it was amazing. It was so unique that once Kelley started to talk to B, she seemed to pay attention and began to calm down. It was also a lesson in position makes the difference - since being on her stomach, side or back, would change B's reaction - and Kelley just knew what to do. It was comforting to know when Kelley was on duty with B when we were at home. I really felt like she would treat B like one of her own and not let anything happen to her.
Perhaps this part isn't in the DAISY Application necessarily, but it has to be mentioned. While it might have been a bit large (I don't think they come any smaller), Kelley was the first to put a onesie on B. It may sound strange, but that created an instant change for my entire family. No longer was this a hospital patient/family member of ours, B now became our baby, our daughter, something real. I never thought it would have that big of an impact, but it was huge. We showed that picture of her in that gray onesie to everyone.
Kelley was the definition of professional, and more than that, she was amazingly kind and caring. I believe that Kelley is a true DAISY Nurse for her consistence, excellent care not only for me, but most and importantly to B. I believe B's success is due in part to Kelley and her care and support. She definitely created an extraordinary experience for my entire family.