A newborn was transported from the freestanding Birth Center with CPR in progress. When they arrived in the Emergency Department, Baby Boy G was almost 50 minutes old but had no pulse on arrival. Despite further attempts, the neonatal team sat down to talk with his father, and resuscitation efforts were ceased. He was a perfect 8 pound, 6-ounce baby boy. The neonatologist was able to assist in bringing the mother to the Emergency Dept also. Barbara was part of the neonatal team that night, and began the process of helping the parents say hello and then goodbye to their son. She helped them spend quiet time with him, took pictures of the family together, and created precious memories of his brief moments on earth. She did what we always do for bereaved parents as part of validation that their child was here- printed pictures, gave them the computer disc for themselves, a blanket, footprints, and assessed their needs, including pastoral care, and a support system, ensuring they were had provided information about the Loving Arms support group for grieving families and encouraged them to attend.
Barbara also took care of the Emergency Dept staff, modeling best practices for them which they might not be aware of, supporting them, and helping them support each other. If that wasn't enough, she also took the time to recognize that her colleagues in the ED may be suffering and in need of support. Tears and hugs were shared, and a follow-up message was sent to the Pastoral Care office to check on the staff as well, who then did reach out to the head of the department, who was appreciative that her team was being offered comfort as well.
But Barbara didn't stop there. Because the mother was not an actual patient of the hospital, she would not normally have been connected to standard follow-up care. So after the weekend, as Barbara was constantly thinking of this family, she made a follow-up phone call to assess their wellbeing, asking if they had any further needs or questions. They said her parents were helping with funeral arrangements, and Baby G would be buried with another family member. When the grieving mother asked what she might be able to do with her breast milk, as surely someone might have need of it, Barbara arranged for another woman who had donated milk after her baby died to contact her and explain how she could donate breast milk for premature infants in the NICU, as well as connecting them to another layer of support. When they asked about requesting autopsy results, Barbara was able to direct them to the right office. She made sure they understood they could contact her with any further questions or even if they just want to talk, then made a home visit to ensure they had more information about coping with perinatal grief to read at a later time.
In an incredibly tragic and sad moment, Barbara was able to step up to help this family during their worst nightmare, as well as being a significant help to the ED staff, sharing her expertise in words and actions in perinatal bereavement. I am sure if you asked Barbara, she would say that she was only one of many working together that night. But she was the right nurse in the right place at the right time to ensure these parents received all the care and resources they might need. She is one amazing nurse and human being!
Note: This is Barbara's 2nd DAISY Award!