May 2009
Kristen
Van Akkeren
,
RN
Women's Health
Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center
Sheboygan
,
WI
United States
A letter was written from a husband about the birth of his stillborn baby and how the nurses in obstretrics went above and beyond. Though stillborn, they treated our daughter with gentleness and care they would provide to any healthy newborn. They dressed her in pink and placed her in our arms. I believe their hearts were broken along with ours. They inked footprints on certificates, made plaster hand and footprints, took photos, kept a lock of her hair -everything we would have wished for a month later and regretted never having, they provided before we could even think to ask. Their care and concern went beyond their primary patient - my wife -to our two boys, parents and other visitors who came to see my wife and daughter; even to assisting us in beginning funeral arrangements. Three nurses Kristen, Aggie and Tammy we would like to recognize. Each of them was ever competent, professional, caring, compassionate and kind. I don't know if there is a Nurse's Creed or Code, but if such a thing exists, these women surely exemplify it in every way. It would not surprise me to find that they were dispatched from heaven to serve us in this moment - angels on earth, called to serve. If they were here to earn their wings, they've earned them. These women are a blessing to your hospital, a tribute to your profession and a treasure to this community. They have our admiration and thanks.