June 2021
Aimee
Huff
,
BSN, RN, CPN
Pediatric Perianesthesia
Wolfson Children's Hospital
Jacksonville
,
FL
United States
After each procedure, she would thoroughly answer all of our questions, bring our daughter her favorite orange Gatorade and do everything in her power to safely get her discharged so she could return home where she was most comfortable.
My family met Aimee over 12 years ago when our daughter was just 3 months old. At that time, we were young parents with an infant who needed major eye surgery. This was the beginning of our journey at Wolfson's Children's Hospital. As our daughter grew older we learned that in addition to her glaucoma she was Autistic. Having a child with severe, non-verbal Autism can make for a very challenging experience at any medical office. Which led us to multiple procedures under anesthesia over the years for simple things such as eye exams, dental work, and hearing tests. We grew to know Aimee at our visits. Whether we were visiting monthly or yearly, she ALWAYS remembered our names and our daughters'. Aimee would listen to us, she knew we knew our daughter's needs best and helped us accommodate her to make the visits less stressful. Through the years, our daughter was still unable to communicate, her behaviors became more erratic and her need for medical treatment continued. Aimee was always there to make sure we had a quiet room upon arrival to avoid sensory overload, she was patient with our daughter to complete her height, weight, and other intake processes. Then she would notify all the staff about our daughter to ensure they too met her needs. After each procedure, she would thoroughly answer all of our questions, bring our daughter her favorite orange Gatorade and do everything in her power to safely get her discharged so she could return home where she was most comfortable. Over the years, we grew to know Aimee as a friend, not just our daughter's nurse. Aimee even remembered our pet's names! She was truly dedicated. Today we returned to Wolfson's hospital for another dental procedure after many months away due to COVID. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a familiar smiling face...AIMEE! Our daughter has always had a difficult time with hospitals and procedures but today was unlike any experience. With Aimee's patience and understanding of her needs, we were able to have a successful visit without any behavioral outbursts or sensory overload. When I say Aimee is a nurse that truly cares for her patients I mean it. We are so blessed to have her on our journey. I take pride in knowing she will be there when we come and every other special needs family dealing with the same challenges will receive the same care. Aimee, you are an extraordinary nurse and an inspiration to us all! Congratulations, you make us proud!