Sam was our primary nurse for A, our daughter born at 23 weeks and 5 days. Before we met Sam, the NICU was a really stressful place. We felt overwhelmed by everything happening and our lack of control. Sam took as much time to be there for us as parents as she took caring for and loving our daughter. She always made time to check in with us after shift turnover to find out if we had any concerns, then she’d make a plan with us on how we could address those concerns and support us as we discussed those concerns and the plan with our care team at rounds. She was pivotal in helping us feel confident in asking questions and learning how to best support our daughter while we were here.

After we asked Sam to be our primary nurse, we shared that we were struggling on her days off because we often were passed from nurse to nurse each day having very different approaches to A’s care and the inconsistency was creating a stressful environment for us, making it hard for A to progress. She went out of her way and connected with all our consistent nurses to create a consistent schedule for A that helped us feel supported and confident, then A took off!

Sam made us feel like more than just patients, we felt like family. During a pandemic, when distance is concrete and connection is complex, Sam helped create a village around us and our daughter. We could not ask more and yet she delivered. We never dealt with anything alone while Sam was our nurse. She was there for medical questions, to help us work through new, unexpected parenting obstacles, and even when we were struggling with personal pressures from the stress of balancing life outside and inside the NICU. When we found ourselves defeated trying to learn a new skill, placing an NG tube so that our daughter could discharge, Sam was there, coaching us, encouraging us, and celebrating with us when we got it right! She adapted to both of our learning styles, took time with each of us separately, asked questions, followed up, and ensured we could soar. Honestly, without her, we aren’t sure where our little family would be. We are immensely grateful and inspired by this amazing nurse and amazing friend.