Alison Wallace
November 2024
Alison
Wallace
,
BSN-RN OB
The Birthing Center
Newport Hospital
Newport
,
RI
United States
The patient was mostly Spanish speaking and required the language line for important conversations, but for more relaxed conversations, she and Alison spoke in short sentences, and it was quite evident that they understood each other and that Alison cared for this patient and had gotten to know her well.
I feel Alison exemplifies the kind of nurse who consistently is caring and dedicated to her patients and families as well as the health care team that surrounds her.
I have known Alison for several years as she started her career on the medical-surgical floor, she was an excellent medical surgical nurse who was always concerned for the patient and the care they received. Always making sure they were moving towards the best outcome for their illness. She was a great team player and well respected on the unit, I was disappointed when Alison left the unit but with all employees that leave, I am always happy if they are moving on to try new things and/or following their passion. Alison has clearly found her passion and her place in the birthing center. I have the opportunity to cover the unit on occasion when their manager is on vacation or on a much-needed day off; Alison is always very welcoming and takes the time to explain things that I may not understand at the birthing center. This is very helpful, so I have a better understanding of the unit.
Recently, leadership had the opportunity to participate in a “shift in your shoes.” I did not hesitate to ask if I could shadow a birthing center nurse and could not have been happier to learn that it was Alison whom I would be shadowing. She was caring for a patient who was going to be having a C-section. She had already formed a relationship with this patient as she had been in throughout her pregnancy for iron infusions. The patient was mostly Spanish speaking and required the language line for important conversations, but for more relaxed conversations, she and Alison spoke in short sentences, and it was quite evident that they understood each other and that Alison cared for this patient and had gotten to know her well.
I was able to observe in the OR suite, and Alison moved around that room with such familiarity, taking the time to explain what was happening, all while keeping a close eye on the patient, offering her comforting and encouraging words, and making sure I was doing okay in this unfamiliar setting. After the birth of the baby, she went right to having the mom breastfeed the baby, keeping with their baby-friendly standards. Alison was so encouraging and supportive of the mom, the baby, and the entire team. I am very proud of Alison and how she has grown in her nursing career.
***
Alison immediately made me feel supported and encouraged. She assisted me in getting into and out of the shower after my C-section in a way that made me feel normal in a situation where I could easily lose dignity.
I have known Alison for several years as she started her career on the medical-surgical floor, she was an excellent medical surgical nurse who was always concerned for the patient and the care they received. Always making sure they were moving towards the best outcome for their illness. She was a great team player and well respected on the unit, I was disappointed when Alison left the unit but with all employees that leave, I am always happy if they are moving on to try new things and/or following their passion. Alison has clearly found her passion and her place in the birthing center. I have the opportunity to cover the unit on occasion when their manager is on vacation or on a much-needed day off; Alison is always very welcoming and takes the time to explain things that I may not understand at the birthing center. This is very helpful, so I have a better understanding of the unit.
Recently, leadership had the opportunity to participate in a “shift in your shoes.” I did not hesitate to ask if I could shadow a birthing center nurse and could not have been happier to learn that it was Alison whom I would be shadowing. She was caring for a patient who was going to be having a C-section. She had already formed a relationship with this patient as she had been in throughout her pregnancy for iron infusions. The patient was mostly Spanish speaking and required the language line for important conversations, but for more relaxed conversations, she and Alison spoke in short sentences, and it was quite evident that they understood each other and that Alison cared for this patient and had gotten to know her well.
I was able to observe in the OR suite, and Alison moved around that room with such familiarity, taking the time to explain what was happening, all while keeping a close eye on the patient, offering her comforting and encouraging words, and making sure I was doing okay in this unfamiliar setting. After the birth of the baby, she went right to having the mom breastfeed the baby, keeping with their baby-friendly standards. Alison was so encouraging and supportive of the mom, the baby, and the entire team. I am very proud of Alison and how she has grown in her nursing career.
***
Alison immediately made me feel supported and encouraged. She assisted me in getting into and out of the shower after my C-section in a way that made me feel normal in a situation where I could easily lose dignity.