My daughter, K, was born by C-section this summer. Her mother (B) was sent to recovery while K and I spent six hours in the transition and then continued on to the NICU due to a concerning level of bilirubin. Our time in the NICU was very emotional and draining. Being first-time parents, our biggest concern is the health of our new baby and trying to understand what is happening. K was in the NICU for five days. During that time, we interacted with a doctor twice. The first time was by phone when we had retreated to our hospital room. While that contact was pleasant, the doctor didn't tell us anything we didn't already know (bilirubin was high, phototherapy, and monitor).
The next day, we had an amazing nurse, Shelby Ellis. The things that separated her from all of the other nurses (all of the nurses were great by the way) was her ability to gauge our situation and assist where we needed to be helped. She gained our respect with the compassion she showed to our daughter, our daughter's well-being, and her ability to address our concerns as parents. B and I spoke highly of Shelby's compassion and respectfulness of our situation. Shelby was able to help B and I learn more about the care of our daughter in a respectful manner. She was never condescending, always checked for our understanding, and was able to field all the questions we threw at her. She was also able to understand the concern B and I had with the lack of communication with a doctor. We saw doctors coming and talking to other parents. We inquired with Shelby and she reached out to the doctor who was supposed to be responsible for our daughter. Without Shelby's involvement, we would have never discovered that the doctor listed for my daughter was never responsible for my daughter's care. Shelby corrected this oversight and was able to get a doctor to us in a very timely manner.
We saw Shelby's professionalism and nurturing spirit with other babies and parents within the unit. She provided the same passion and giving she gave us to others. As an Assistant Principal and coach, B a teacher and coach, both at a high school, we know what it takes to be a passionate and efficient individual when dealing with children/kids and parents. Shelby demonstrated all of these priceless qualities with my family as well as all of the families under her care. She is an exceptional caregiver. Her worth exceeds what she'll ever make monetarily in her profession. As educators, we understand the personal sacrifice and the qualities of character, like her integrity, it takes to do the things Shelby does as a nurse. We thank God for sending Shelby into our lives during the time we needed it the most.