January 2015
Abby
Rubenstein
,
BSN, RNC
LDRP
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
Laguna Hills
,
CA
United States
I nominate Abby because of her deep commitment to her profession and for her ability to go the extra mile in providing compassionate care to her patients. I recently worked with Abby on a case of a mother who lost twins. The patient and her husband had tried for many years to conceive a baby. After many attempts at in vitro fertilization the couple finally became pregnant. The patient was pregnant with twins but unfortunately developed complications in the second trimester and lost both of the babies. Abby provided not only stellar medical care to this mom but exceptionally compassionate emotional care to both these devastated parents and their extended family. These cases are very difficult and many nurses are not able to handle the intensity of the emotion that is involved. Abby's care made a difference in making what the couple later described as "a horrible tragedy more tolerable". Abby brings this kind of commitment to her work consistently.
...
I had only just met Abby Rubenstein but I knew I wanted to know her forever. She was standing in the hospital room with me when I learned my twin baby boys would be delivered too early and were too young to survive. Abby asked the hospital if she could work a double shift because she wanted to care for me. She held my hand and answered my questions. She asked me when my parents would arrive, my husband, my siblings. She stayed with me in the room until my family could get there. Most importantly, she asked me if I wanted to see my babies. I was in shock. I wasn't sure what to do. Abby gently sat by my side and told me she would support and respect whatever decision I made, but shared something she wanted me to know. "I have never met a couple who regretted seeing their babies." In that moment, she helped me see clearly. With her loving nature, gentle empathy and soft spirit she guided me to safety. When I returned to Saddleback 15 months later to deliver my third baby, Abby rearranged her schedule and organized with the hospital to be the nurse caring for me during my delivery. I will never be able to express the incredible sense of gratitude I have for Abby. The quality of care she gave to me and my babies will never be forgotten. She is an angel to us and to ALL of our sweet children.
...
I had only just met Abby Rubenstein but I knew I wanted to know her forever. She was standing in the hospital room with me when I learned my twin baby boys would be delivered too early and were too young to survive. Abby asked the hospital if she could work a double shift because she wanted to care for me. She held my hand and answered my questions. She asked me when my parents would arrive, my husband, my siblings. She stayed with me in the room until my family could get there. Most importantly, she asked me if I wanted to see my babies. I was in shock. I wasn't sure what to do. Abby gently sat by my side and told me she would support and respect whatever decision I made, but shared something she wanted me to know. "I have never met a couple who regretted seeing their babies." In that moment, she helped me see clearly. With her loving nature, gentle empathy and soft spirit she guided me to safety. When I returned to Saddleback 15 months later to deliver my third baby, Abby rearranged her schedule and organized with the hospital to be the nurse caring for me during my delivery. I will never be able to express the incredible sense of gratitude I have for Abby. The quality of care she gave to me and my babies will never be forgotten. She is an angel to us and to ALL of our sweet children.