Lucy Burrell and Monique Powell
April 2021
Monique
Powell
,
MSN, RN
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Children’s National Hospital
Washington
,
DC
United States
I had hour-long conversations with Monique in which she reinforced that I need to take care of myself also.
I am new to Children’s National since July 2020. I was on orientation in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) up until November. I was very excited to be coming off of orientation. However, after my third week of orientation, I came home after a day shift and found my mom lethargic, short of breath, sick to her stomach, vomiting, and barely able to keep her eyes open. I took my mom to the hospital and she was diagnosed with COVID and pneumonia, requiring a full sepsis workup. My dad was also diagnosed with pneumonia. It felt like my world turned upside down. I called out the next day, making Lucy aware; she was extremely supportive. The next day Monique called me and reassured me that everything was going to be okay. Although the entire unit was highly supportive, Lucy and Monique constantly texted me, called me, and gave me all the resources I needed. I was panicking about job security and leave. Being fairly new, I hadn’t accrued much leave. Monique sent me endless information about the Hartford and DC Paid Family Leave Act, of which I was completely unaware. Although I am grateful to my preceptors, educators, and other co-workers for sending me words of encouragement and support, Lucy and Monique went above and beyond. When I returned to work, Lucy assisted me with my schedule and was always understanding. I had hour-long conversations with Monique in which she reinforced that I need to take care of myself also. They also made my educators aware, who also gave me constant support. I was newly off of orientation, but the CICU crew and especially Lucy and Monique, made me feel a part of the CICU family. I was able to take 6 weeks off with pay, take care of both parents, feel supported, and return to work even stronger. Thanks to my CICU crew and especially thanks to Monique and Lucy! They are true DAISY Nurse Leaders!