Elena McDaniel
November 2023
Elena
McDaniel
,
RN
Women's Post Partum
Grandview Medical Center
Birmingham
,
AL
United States

 

 

 

To see someone care for others like Elena is truly inspiring.

Elena was kind, caring, professional, and understanding. She went above and beyond to make my husband feel comfortable and understood during an unexpected hypoglycemic protocol for baby E on our first night together. She took time to explain baby E’s care, but also empathized and encouraged us to not give up on our breastfeeding.

***

We were shocked for our sweet girl to be arriving on the first cool night of fall. Delivery was wonderful, but the end of Sunday was not as pleasant. We had a brief stay in the NICU. This worried me and my wife to no end as this is our first child, after our stay in the NICU we had to supplement feeding with formula. This bothered my wife greatly and she was very upset with the situation. She felt like a failure. Here comes our night shift nurse, Elena! She was so great, she took the extra time to explain the situation and comfort my wife to reassure her she was not a failure. I work with lots of MDs and RNs and I would want Elena taking care of my family, anytime. Patience is not found in this field and she went over the top for our family. My wife, our little girl, and I want to thank her.

***

Elena’s smile and personality lit up our room. We could feel her positive energy and tell how genuine her care for us and EG was. Elena helped us stay level-headed and hopeful for good results so we could take our daughter home. Our whole family felt a bond with Elena and could not have asked for better care. EG and Elena formed a strong “Girl Bond” through all of her testing, to see someone care for others like Elena is truly inspiring. Having someone to care for us in a time of so many unknowns was very comforting, but having Elena was truly a blessing.

***

While all the staff on the 3rd floor was great, Elena in particular was a wonderful presence on the night after our daughter was born. As new parents with little experience caring for newborns, Elena cared for our family with the heart of a teacher, taking the time to educate us on how to care for our daughter. Elena also provided phenomenal care to my wife post-c-section. Elena was extremely thoughtful and excellent at anticipating our needs. During this life-changing experience. Elena provided our family with a tremendous amount of comfort. The clinical care, education, and kindness she provided won’t be forgotten. THANK YOU!

***

Elena was such a Godsend during our first nights with our daughter. She spent a lot of time helping us learn the best way to diaper and wrap a swaddle and shared all her tips. She was encouraging, kind, and non-judgmental at a time when I was my most vulnerable. She was also prompt and timely with any requests/meds. I felt so supported and like I had a true care advocate. I can’t say enough positive things about my experience at Grandview and everyone on the third floor! Thank you!

***

Where to start? Elena was the absolute best! I was so happy to see she was also taking care of us on night two after having a baby. She always ensured I was feeling the best I could and was there for me through all my concerns and questions. She also helped me stay calm by just being a friend! I will forever be grateful for her care. My time at Grandview has been nothing but amazing! Love, love, love the staff, care, food, and facility!