Comment from Manager: Rosie Middendorf went above and beyond to provide exceptional care to a family. She is a true example of what an exceptional nurse looks like. She truly made a difference in this patient’s life and that is what our job is all about. Because of Rosie, the family had a little brightness during their stay while dealing with an unimaginable situation. Rosie did not even hesitate when the family requested that she help with his transfer. It is an honor to have Rosie on our team.

Below is Rosie’s perspective of the event:

My most proud moment of this review period was when I helped care for a baby who wasn't expected to survive delivery. The baby was diagnosed with a severe form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The parents were expecting to deliver a stillborn baby, so when the baby was delivered and was crying, they didn't know what to do. I provided gentle care to their precious baby and helped guide and comfort the baby and his parents throughout the night. I held him in their room when they were too tired to stay awake where he fell asleep in my arms.

The baby lived until the day shift that day. I worked that night and came to see them before I left, and they were so very grateful that I did. They asked me if there was any way that I could stay and accompany their sweet angel when the time came for them to say their final goodbye because they couldn't stand the thought of leaving him with someone who didn't know him. I made sure that their son was gently cared for on his transfer from their room to the blue room. I then carried him to the morgue.

This was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my nursing career, and it had a profound effect on me. I will never forget the parents and their sweet angel.