Abby Castaldo
January 2021
Abby
Castaldo
,
BSN, RN
Pediatric Day Stay
Hackensack Meridian Health - Jersey Shore University Medical Center
We were drained, frightened and there Abby stood ready to take care of our baby because we clearly needed help. She was like an angel sent to guide us through.
My life changed in an instant when my beautiful 3-month-old baby boy went to a pediatric ophthalmologist for what I thought was going to be pretty routine eye screening, but the doctor informed me that my son was blind in his left eye and had minimal vision in his right eye and that he may have cancer of both his eyes. I was frightened, emotionally distressed, and in deep confusion over this sudden situation.
We needed to take my son to Wills Eye Hospital for evaluation and needed to have MRI prior. At 8 pm that night, I received a call from Abby of Pedi Day Stay. She explained that my son would need sedation in order to have a good MRI, she went through all that we needed to do as parents to get this done as soon as possible including having a physician, prescriptions for orders, sedation, last feeding instructions, insurance verifications, etc. She gave me her personal cell to help me through what was the worst day of my life. I called her several times through the night as did my husband, we did not sleep our anguish was inconsolable.
At 7 am, we drove to the Pedi Day Stay unit and Abby's directions were so clear and concise we quickly arrived, parked our car, and walked in. We were drained, frightened and there she stood ready to take care of our baby because we clearly needed help. She was like an angel sent to guide us through. She introduced us to the team and the doctor who was also phenomenal and we gave them our baby. We were so worried for our future, yet we felt so secure that Abby, who was a total stranger to us 24 hours ago, now was being entrusted with my infant who couldn't see. A quick and solid foundation of trust formed, and my son received all the necessary diagnostic tests needed.
As we face this devastating diagnosis, treatment, and uncertain future, we are sure we will interact with so many more healthcare professionals along the way. I learned from my mother that some nurses respond to a much higher calling than duty alone, Abby is that nurse. She is truly an amazing, compassionate human being and is the most deserving of recognition for her nurturing and compassionate care shown to our family.
We are truly grateful for her support.
We needed to take my son to Wills Eye Hospital for evaluation and needed to have MRI prior. At 8 pm that night, I received a call from Abby of Pedi Day Stay. She explained that my son would need sedation in order to have a good MRI, she went through all that we needed to do as parents to get this done as soon as possible including having a physician, prescriptions for orders, sedation, last feeding instructions, insurance verifications, etc. She gave me her personal cell to help me through what was the worst day of my life. I called her several times through the night as did my husband, we did not sleep our anguish was inconsolable.
At 7 am, we drove to the Pedi Day Stay unit and Abby's directions were so clear and concise we quickly arrived, parked our car, and walked in. We were drained, frightened and there she stood ready to take care of our baby because we clearly needed help. She was like an angel sent to guide us through. She introduced us to the team and the doctor who was also phenomenal and we gave them our baby. We were so worried for our future, yet we felt so secure that Abby, who was a total stranger to us 24 hours ago, now was being entrusted with my infant who couldn't see. A quick and solid foundation of trust formed, and my son received all the necessary diagnostic tests needed.
As we face this devastating diagnosis, treatment, and uncertain future, we are sure we will interact with so many more healthcare professionals along the way. I learned from my mother that some nurses respond to a much higher calling than duty alone, Abby is that nurse. She is truly an amazing, compassionate human being and is the most deserving of recognition for her nurturing and compassionate care shown to our family.
We are truly grateful for her support.