Jenny Lemieux
January 2018
Jennifer
Lemieux
,
BSN, RN
Newborn Intensive Care Unit
Wolfson Children's Hospital
Jacksonville
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

Have you ever had a shy person that comes into your life then captivates you so much so that they become your forever friend? Jenny approached me by my son's bedside hours after the ECMO surgery was completed. I could tell she was a shy one, yet her sweet calming spirit was such a salve to my aching and very torn heart. Here laid my baby whom I was so scared to lose. Yet, I didn't want to see him suffer or pray him out of heaven if God's plan was to take him home. She reminded me so much of my husband, who is also a shy individual, yet can stand beside you in silence and their mere presence speaks volumes. Even though she had just met us, she showed such compassion and love towards us. She always did things discretely, so as to not bring praise and honor to herself. Other nurses would be the ones that would tell me of the sweet considerate things she would do for R. Like the times they would see her spoiling him by holding and cuddling him when he was fussing because I wasn't there yet or gone for the night. I was comforted one night seeing her rocking and snuggling R because he was just being so fussy adjusting to the new schedule, oxygen weaning, and/or meds. On another night, I came in to discover R's hands and feet with colored ink. Later, I discovered that Jenny and another nurse were trying to pull a surprise for me with a laminated picture of a flower made of R's feet and hands.
For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. -Luke 8:17. Jenny did a lot of things that others often miss not because the nurses intentionally kept them hidden or a secret. They do all things selflessly, intentionally natural, and with all of their heart. I just wanted to reveal or bring to light how amazing Jenny is.
***
We cannot say enough about the extraordinary service and compassionate care Jenny provided our son for 4 1/2 months. My 3rd time of seeing our baby boy was when he was on ECMO. They had to do a double cannula due to our son's dominant left superior vena cava (LSVC). It was a very intimidating and scary scene to approach. However, Jenny welcomed me with such warmth. Her tenderness toward me as a scared mom brought me such comfort. She told me that I could ask any questions. Boy, did I ask away!
***
Jenny provided excellent care for my daughter. She was encouraging and caring towards both of us. I couldn't ask for more. I thank God for all she did and will continue to do as a caring nurse!