September 2020
McKenna
LaDue
,
BSN, RN
Heart & Kidney Unit
Children’s National Hospital
She was creative and insightful in suggesting ways for the family to remember the many items on the patient's daily schedule. McKenna also created visual aids to assist the family to remember the complex schedule.
McKenna worked diligently with a family of an infant who spent many (5) months in our hospital. The patient underwent heart surgery and had complications and feeding difficulties post-op, which delayed her discharge. Mom was overwhelmed by the g-tube, feeding pump, multiple medications, and mixing formula. McKenna delivered compassionate care while demonstrating and reviewing CPR with the family. The family (mom and grandmother) had many questions and required a lot of repetition in teaching over the course of 3 days - 2 of which McKenna worked with them. She was creative and insightful in suggesting ways for the family to remember the many items on the patient's daily schedule. McKenna also created visual aids to assist the family to remember the complex schedule. McKenna exhibited patience and advocacy in following up with the many consulting services regarding supplies, verifying formula mixing instructions, and signs and symptoms that the family should be aware of to seek medical help. McKenna was very attentive to this family's needs, but also maintained her pleasant and approachable demeanor while also caring for the other patients in her assignment. McKenna's diligent work with this family exemplifies our core values of commitment, connection, and compassion.