Olivia
Hawkins
January 2015
Olivia
Hawkins
,
RN
NICU
St. John Medical Center
Tulsa
,
OK
United States

 

 

 

... Olivia was recognized for her extraordinary care of a NICU patient and family. Olivia cared for the baby the last two days of the baby's life demonstrating extraordinary compassion and treating the family with utmost respect. The baby was born with her intestines outside of her body and her other organs were shutting down while the parents were discerning her end of life decision to remove the ventilator. Olivia's usual shift was 10 hours; family and friends visited the baby throughout the hospital stay. The family was religious and circled around the baby praying to God for a miracle of healing. The first two days the family was in denial. Periodically, Olivia went into the room to check that the baby's physical appearance was not deteriorating.

Other than the physicians, Olivia was the only person who could touch the baby in the incubator. On the day of death Olivia worked a 19 hour shift. Due to the relationship she built with the family, Olivia stayed with the family before and after the baby expired. Before the baby was taken off the ventilator, Olivia let the parents hold her and the baby passed away in her father's arms. Olivia was beside them answering their questions and allowing them to grieve the loss of their child. She allowed the baby to die with dignity. Olivia assisted with bathing and dressing the baby and the hospital provided clothing and a photographer. Not only was Olivia a loving and caring nurse in the hospital to the baby and her family, but she also attended the funeral alone to pay her respects. This baby is just one of the patients Olivia has demonstrated extraordinary compassion and skill for. She is an amazing nurse; loving and caring and deserving of the DAISY Award.