Wendy is already known amongst the staff as an exceptionally caring health provider, but today we witnessed her go above and beyond what is expected by any medical staff member.
We are not privy to how long Wendy had been caring for this particular patient, but her actions showed that she had a trusted and emotionally supportive relationship with this new mother. The postpartum unit was made aware that this particular patient, under our care, was having some new circumstances in her life that were going to make caring for her newborn in Norfolk particularity difficult. Our unit social worker had made several phone calls to many local agencies, trying to find this new mother some resources and support, so they would be in place when the infant was discharged in the next few days. It was brought to Wendy's attention that the young mother did not have a place for the infant to sleep where she resided and no local agencies were able to provide a crib for this baby.
Wendy went to the store and picked out an adorable pack-n-play. She paid for the pack-n-play herself and brought it to the patient before she was discharged. The patient and the Social Worker were emotionally moved by the generosity of Wendy. Wendy went above and beyond what was necessary for this patient. She wanted to ensure that the patient (whose life was already complicated) could have one less thing to worry about when she and her baby were ready for discharge.
The Women's Health Nursing & Lactation staff were so impressed by the compassion and kindness that Wendy showed her patient. She is truly a role model for nurses and all staff members on how it is possible to not only be an excellent nurse, but a generous servant to their patients.
Wendy's generosity has inspired many of the staff in the Women's Health Department to dig deep and find ways to provide patients with as much as we can, to ensure a smooth transition home after discharge.