My twin boys were born at 34 weeks so they were immediately placed in the NICU. The first few days were stressful but manageable but then the days began to pass one at a time. Every day was a challenge for me (a first time mom). I was becoming very upset and would cry daily for no reason just wanting to be at home instead of in the hospital. I was prescribed medication to help with my postpartum symptoms but inside felt like I would be okay once I got out of the hospital. Bonnie came into my family's life about day 5 of my stay.
When Bonnie walked into our room the sun would shine and the whole atmosphere would change. Bonnie would celebrate the progress with me that the boys were showing, she would comfort me when I was feeling sad, and she would give me a hug at the perfect time. I found myself looking forward to the days when she was at work. She showed my boys genuine concern and when she picked them up to help me feed, or weigh them they responded to her like no other nurse. It was magical to see. I found that in her company I knew everything was going to be okay.
She helped teach me without being condescending and her advice was always spot on. After almost a month in the NICU I cried my eyes out at the thought of not seeing her again, she had become a mother figure to me and a grandmother to my boys. I did not need to worry. I left Bonnie a card with my phone number and since I have been home (4 months) she has called to check on the boys and visited us twice at home to see how we all are doing.
Bonnie gave me the confidence to be a good mother, she supported me in my breast feeding efforts, and I believe I'm still going strong because of her. Bonnie definitely went above and beyond her job, although every day I saw her at work it never seemed like it was a "job" to her. I could not nominate a candidate more deserving of this award. It's as if this was designed for her. Thank you Bonnie and Thank You St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for having such an amazing nurse on your staff.