It is with much trepidation, nurses in the adult ICU care for ante/postpartum mothers. Assigning these patients takes extra consideration especially when there are special circumstances. Recently, we admitted a postpartum mother who delivered a stillborn. We chose Gretchen, a mother herself, to take care of this patient, her baby, and the father. Gretchen was asked privately if she had any concerns about the assignment and after only a second of deliberation she emphatically agreed.

Each time she went into that patient room I said a silent prayer of support. When Gretchen emerged from the room, I would catch her eye to make sure she felt supported or to let her know she could step away if necessary. Unfamiliar support staff came and went including the neonatal photographer. Gretchen was in the room helping the mother when she noticed how the father struggled to dress that baby for photographs, a common practice. As retold by Gretchen, she walked up to the father and gently asked if he would like her to help him prepare the baby. She articulated her actions to the father and while still on the father's lap she dressed the baby in the special going-home outfit. Gretchen continued to be stoic, supportive, and compassionate as she went about her day.

Her professionalism and nursing practice were unmatched. When the special Angel Cart was delivered, she held it in her hands and explained to me its purpose. I'm certain I could not have done what she did that day. Gretchen deserves to be recognized for providing extraordinary care in unexpected situations.