I want to recognize Aaron James for the exceptional care she provided to a young couple who experienced a miscarriage shortly after arriving at the emergency department. I was the primary emergency department nurse for this couple. I am very grateful to Aaron for coming down from the Family Birth Center to help this couple through this tragic loss.
Before meeting the couple Aaron first spoke with me to gain an understanding of the situation. I then introduced Aaron and she took it from there. Aaron sat down with the couple and spent a good amount of time with them listening to their concerns and answering their questions. Aaron provided a bereavement kit and explained all of the components of the kit to them. Prior to returning to the Family Birth Center, Aaron provided me with an update on the couple and their wishes. Prior to Aaron's arrival in the room, the husband had been sitting silently in the corner, appearing closed off to the situation. Aaron encouraged both partners to engage in the discussion, sharing their thoughts, questions, and concerns about the loss they had just suffered. By using her exceptional interpersonal skills, Aaron was able to uncover and clear up a misunderstanding between the couple that had been lingering since a previous miscarriage. By the time Aaron left, I could see the tension between the couple had eased and they seemed to be interacting as a couple again rather than as individuals. Aaron was simply amazing, and I believe she was the perfect person to help this couple.
Aaron demonstrated courtesy, respect, compassion, and teamwork. Aaron is a model for collegial respect. It was great to work with her for the common purpose of providing the best, most compassionate care to this grieving couple. Aaron demonstrated excellent focus on meeting the needs of this couple. I believe the tragic experience of losing their baby was softened by the care and concern they received. She made a real difference in this situation as I am sure she does each day when she comes to work.