For nearly a year, Hannah was the primary nurse for a patient who spent his entire life in the hospital. Born significantly premature, he spent a year in the ICN before transitioning to the PICU. During his days in the ICN, Hannah took on many roles in providing care. She was an encourager to the young mom and helped her to feel comfortable participating in the patient's care. She created charts and schedules to create consistency in the care he received. She celebrated every milestone the patient achieved and helped to create handprints, footprints, and wall hangings that I'm certain the family will forever cherish. Hannah advocated for the patient's needs, attended team meetings, and thought outside the box to provide the best care.
When the patient was transferred to the PICU, Hannah's care didn't stop. She visited when she could to provide support to fellow nurses who had come to care for the patient and to continue to encourage the family. Furthermore, when the patient acutely decompensated and the mom asked for Hannah to be called, Hannah showed up. On her day off, she came and spent her personal time being present. Not as the nurse, not as a caretaker, but as a compassionate and familiar face to a mom who so desperately needed support. Together, as the mom held her son in his final hours, she and Hannah looked through pictures and recounted memories of milestones achieved. Together they laughed and they cried as they reflected on his precious life. As death neared, the young mom stepped out of the room. Feeling unable to be present, she was comforted knowing Hannah was there. Following the death when the mom reentered the room, there was Hannah holding the patient snugly in her arms.
Nursing can be full of tasks and to-dos. It is easy to get lost in the moment to moment. But when you stop to take in the realness, it is so much more. Hannah isn't a nurse because it is her job, Hannah is a nurse because it is who she is. Compassionate and caring. Skilled and proactive. An advocate and an educator. A trusted ear and monumental hugger. Hannah goes above and beyond to ensure those entrusted to her care feel heard and valued. But more so, Hannah ensures that they know with certainty that their child matters. Hannah is simply extraordinary.