Leslie provided excellent family-centered care during our son's recent recovery from his first surgery. She was an advocate for my son, educated our family, and ensured that we, his parents, could provide him the best support at a time when he needed it the most. My son's transfer to a floor was slightly delayed as managers determined which floor would be the best fit. He had a pain pump, O2 monitoring, and had just had neurosurgery. Leslie met what could have been a frustrating experience with flexibility and extra care for our son. We are so appreciative and hope she will be recognized for her hard work.

Leslie was patient and supportive to my son, who was waking up from his first surgery and also has limited English. My son was adopted from China just this past August. While we'd tried to prepare him for surgery as best we could, he woke up sad and frustrated with his IV's. Leslie made sure we could care for my son and support him. She lowered bedrails and rearranged curtains/furniture as needed. My husband and I are in wheelchairs but Leslie was creative with the tight quarters of the PACU. She even continued this advocacy after pushing my son's bed to his room in A7 by asking what furniture could be removed so that we could best access my son.

Leslie patiently explained to my son why he needed each IV, tube, or medication. She answered his repeated questions dozens of times. She also helped us understand the need for the O2 monitoring and new hospital policies that require its use with a pain pump. She kept us informed as the decision was made about where my son would be transferred from the PACU.

We felt comfortable throughout my son's several hour stay in the PACU. Even when we weren't sure when/where my son would be transferred, Leslie met all of our needs. Patients who have had neuro surgery typically don't eat in recovery but Leslie recognized that most patients also don't spend as much time as my son did due to the delay in deciding where he should be transferred. She consulted other staff and was able to give my son juice and crackers. This significantly helped his attitude going into those early stages of recovery. She also offered us anything we needed to stay comfortable while remaining at his bedside. All children are frightened in these situations but my son's recent adoption makes him particularly scared in times where he's separated from us and in pain.

Leslie asked us what we might need to reach my son and provide him care and support. She recognized that as parents with disabilities, there might be small changes that could make a big difference. She exemplified the meaning of family-centered care. She demonstrated an exceptionally calm and professional attitude as the plans were changed repeatedly while different opinions were rendered about where my son should be transferred. We were so glad to have her by our side on this difficult but important day.