When we left the NICU, we were leaving behind a chapter in our lives that was the hardest one we've faced. We were also leaving behind a group of people who were not only caregivers, but friends. The nurses, doctors and staff made our time just a little easier. One nurse, in particular, stood out as exemplary. Stephanie was one of E's first nurses when we moved to Intermediate Care. She was immediately our favorite and most trusted nurse. We could not be in the NICU every hour of every day, but we were confident that when Stephanie was with E, she was in the best possible hands.
When E was having trouble breathing and eating, it was Stephanie who insisted that the doctors switch her feeding tube to her other nostril. E's breathing and eating improved immediately. When my husband and I wanted to learn how to give E a bath, it was Stephanie who took the time to teach us, and then laugh with us when E showed her displeasure by not only peeing, but also pooping in the tub. When E wasn't making any progress on nippling, it was Stephanie who suggested that we put together a team of nurses so that E would receive consistent care and feedings.
Stephanie was the first member of that team, and its most valuable player. When E had a swallow study and it was discovered that, after days of positive improvement and progress nippling, she was aspirating every thickness of food, it was Stephanie who was my shoulder to cry on. She immediately reassured us that we could handle a g-tube and took time to explain what we should expect.
Stephanie went above and beyond what we expected of the nurses in the NICU every single shift she cared for E. I always knew it was going to be a good day when Stephanie was on duty. She was E's biggest advocate and supporter. We consider ourselves very lucky that Stephanie was a part of our NICU experience.