May 2022
Jean
Bonin
,
RN
Emergency Department
Ochsner Medical Center- Main Campus New Orleans
New Orleans
,
LA
United States
She empowered me that it is okay to use my voice and be my son’s advocate.
Today was the hardest and longest day I’ve ever experienced thus far as a first-time mom. My 16-month-old son, "R," fell and lacerated his lip at an indoor play place this morning. We rushed him to the ED at Main Campus around 11 am, and this is where we first met Jean in triage. I was a wreck, but her genuine caring and calm demeanor automatically put me at ease when she greeted us at the door. She got us all checked in and made sure "R" had Motrin right away, so he was comfortable. We had a great experience that morning in the ED. My son was sedated, and sutures were placed to close his laceration. We left the ER, and by the time we made it home, some of his sutures had come undone. We ended up turning around and making a trip back to the ER. It was a long day of tears and no naps for my son. As soon as Jean saw us again, she remembered us from a few hours ago, greeted us, and reassured me again and again. She even remembered my son’s exact weight from the morning! During this ED visit, I had an awful experience with a plastic surgeon fellow. His bedside manner left so much to be desired. I left the room visibly shaken, crying, and very upset. I did not want this doctor seeing my 16- month son. Here comes Jean. She took me outside in the hall and listened. She really listened. She heard my concerns and genuinely cared. She validated my emotions and all my mama tears. She empowered me that it is okay to use my voice and be my son’s advocate. She reassured me. She comforted me. She heard me. I can’t even begin to say how grateful I am for her in that moment. The ER visit continued with hiccups (just with the Plastics Dept- everyone else we encountered there was stellar!), but Jean kept a close eye and checked in. She even advocated for my son and me to the plastic fellow. I don’t think she even realized what she did for me tonight! She made a super rough day a little less tough. She is the definition of this award.