April 2013
Jenny
Antonio
,
LPN
Pediatrics
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Anchorage
,
AK
United States
Winter came quickly and cold and flu season fell upon our community. Our girls came down with a cold around Christmas and unfortunately passed the virus onto our son. By New Years Day Eric was extremely ill. He was lethargic, minimal muscle control when he was typically very strong with head control, his heart was beating irregularly fast, and you could see his stomach moving in and out with each breath. I took him to the emergency room at Providence ad he was admitted that evening to the Pediatric Unit for R.S.V. He was just three months old. He turned four months old there in the pediatric unit on January 2nd, 2013.
A nurse with kind eyes and a gentle spirit introduced herself as Jenny. She would be working with Eric. Jenny was an angel sent to ease my way through one of the hardest times in my life. In such humble and subtle ways Jenny made a significant difference in my life. It is often the little things that matter the most. Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I will never forget how Jenny made me feel.
From the moment I met her she was kind and caring. She introduced herself, she asked questions about my family and Eric, and she shared that she was also a mother. Jenny empathized with me and showed compassion. She spoke on behalf of my baby telling him and me that she knew it is so difficult when they are so young and sick.
Jenny showed care and concern not only for Eric but for me as well. I hadn't slept at all the first night at the hospital. I felt powerless, exhausted, and utterly overwhelmed with the situation. Jenny asked me if I had slept and gently encouraged me to rest. She reassured me that my baby was in good hands. Jenny held baby Eric allowing me to take time to eat. It touched my heart to see that this woman took time with me to talk with me, hold my sweet little boy, tell me its okay to take a moment for myself and nourish my own body. Jenny's actions spoke volumes about her character and her passion to help families in need.
Jenny taught me techniques to use with Eric to assist him with breaking up the congestion R.S.V. produces. She demonstrated where and how to pat his tiny body and the amount of force to use when doing so and then allowed me to try while she coached me. She spent an ample amount of time working with Eric, teaching him to clear his own airways by imitating her sound.
When Jenny first was teaching Eric how to clear his airways I thought something was wrong with her. I didn't realize initially that every time he coughed she would very loudly clear her throat. After a few times I realized what she was attempting to do. I was amazed when I heard Eric do it when coughing! She would positively reinforce the behavior by giving him praise and encouragement. I started to do it also thinking this lady is a genius!
When the respiratory therapist came to our room he commented on the techniques I was using with Eric. The techniques Jenny had shown me. He told me to keep doing them, that I was doing the right things. Jenny empowered me to help my baby and that was all I wanted to do. As a mother my desire was to make it all better for my little guy.
Jenny played with Eric. She would raise his tiny hands in the air waving his arms around and say, "And the crowd goes wild!" As sick as he was he would smile so big every time she did it! I have a picture of them playing in his memory book. The picture is how I will remember the experience and how I will tell him about it when he is older. Explaining to Eric that amidst the dark circumstances this wonderful nurse brought joy to both of us. She passed on hope and love.
Eric was discharged January 3rd. He spent two days in the hospital. Eric's pediatrician told me he would likely be there three to five days. I truly believe Jenny's dedication, compassion, and attentive care is why Eric recovered so quickly.
Without reservation I proudly nominate Jenny for the DAISY award. She truly embodies all values Providence embraces. Jenny's actions clearly demonstrate the Providence Mission and Vision. Jenny, I thank you from the deepest part of my heart. I will never forget how you helped me and my sweet baby.
A nurse with kind eyes and a gentle spirit introduced herself as Jenny. She would be working with Eric. Jenny was an angel sent to ease my way through one of the hardest times in my life. In such humble and subtle ways Jenny made a significant difference in my life. It is often the little things that matter the most. Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I will never forget how Jenny made me feel.
From the moment I met her she was kind and caring. She introduced herself, she asked questions about my family and Eric, and she shared that she was also a mother. Jenny empathized with me and showed compassion. She spoke on behalf of my baby telling him and me that she knew it is so difficult when they are so young and sick.
Jenny showed care and concern not only for Eric but for me as well. I hadn't slept at all the first night at the hospital. I felt powerless, exhausted, and utterly overwhelmed with the situation. Jenny asked me if I had slept and gently encouraged me to rest. She reassured me that my baby was in good hands. Jenny held baby Eric allowing me to take time to eat. It touched my heart to see that this woman took time with me to talk with me, hold my sweet little boy, tell me its okay to take a moment for myself and nourish my own body. Jenny's actions spoke volumes about her character and her passion to help families in need.
Jenny taught me techniques to use with Eric to assist him with breaking up the congestion R.S.V. produces. She demonstrated where and how to pat his tiny body and the amount of force to use when doing so and then allowed me to try while she coached me. She spent an ample amount of time working with Eric, teaching him to clear his own airways by imitating her sound.
When Jenny first was teaching Eric how to clear his airways I thought something was wrong with her. I didn't realize initially that every time he coughed she would very loudly clear her throat. After a few times I realized what she was attempting to do. I was amazed when I heard Eric do it when coughing! She would positively reinforce the behavior by giving him praise and encouragement. I started to do it also thinking this lady is a genius!
When the respiratory therapist came to our room he commented on the techniques I was using with Eric. The techniques Jenny had shown me. He told me to keep doing them, that I was doing the right things. Jenny empowered me to help my baby and that was all I wanted to do. As a mother my desire was to make it all better for my little guy.
Jenny played with Eric. She would raise his tiny hands in the air waving his arms around and say, "And the crowd goes wild!" As sick as he was he would smile so big every time she did it! I have a picture of them playing in his memory book. The picture is how I will remember the experience and how I will tell him about it when he is older. Explaining to Eric that amidst the dark circumstances this wonderful nurse brought joy to both of us. She passed on hope and love.
Eric was discharged January 3rd. He spent two days in the hospital. Eric's pediatrician told me he would likely be there three to five days. I truly believe Jenny's dedication, compassion, and attentive care is why Eric recovered so quickly.
Without reservation I proudly nominate Jenny for the DAISY award. She truly embodies all values Providence embraces. Jenny's actions clearly demonstrate the Providence Mission and Vision. Jenny, I thank you from the deepest part of my heart. I will never forget how you helped me and my sweet baby.