I wanted to send a note because I interviewed a candidate the other day and when I asked her why she was applying at MCP she responded with an experience. She stated she had always heard good things and knows several nurse navigators that work here and wants to be a part of the team. She said this thought was solidified when she had to cancel her interview on the date her interview was initially scheduled. She merely told us there was a death in the family so we kindly rescheduled and she said that coupled with the reality of what happened that day left no doubt. What happened that day was that her daughter experienced a 7-month fetal demise of her soon-to-be-born grandchild and was admitted to MCP. She said on the most tragic of days for her family, the staff was amazing and the bereavement nurse made them all feel safe and well cared for. She said if the staff can take care of a family expecting to start a new life, process that loss, and begin to heal, she certainly wants to be a part of the bigger team. I am sure you receive many accolades for your teams there but I was moved by her story and knew you would want to know the ripple impact of that event and that her daughter is doing well.

The bereavement nurse whom this candidate describes, is Angela Jaynes, a nurse in Labor and Delivery, who has a certification in perinatal palliative care and frequently is assigned to our families who are experiencing a loss. Angela is very passionate about and committed to ensuring that all of these families who experience a loss in the labor and delivery area, will leave with positive memories of their baby, and the patient’s family will feel well cared for and included in this family loss.

In addition, to caring for these patients, who sometimes are our antepartum patients, also, Angela was instrumental in leading the cause to develop Anastasha’s Room, a special waiting room on our unit, which is decorated beautifully with a bassinet, and also a cooling unit, to ensure that these babies remain in the best condition. This room was used by this family, who is described above. Many times our Moms would like a short time by themselves, so the baby can go with other family members to this beautiful waiting room, where they can hold the baby, and spend quiet peaceful time with the baby. Angela’s leadership in developing this room, and getting items donated for it, has been recognized by our TJC palliative care designation team, and also by our State Maternal Designation Survey team.