There was a full-term 36-week demise that had delivered. She stayed on the Mother Baby unit until her discharge, due to having the delivery by C-section. Katie was her nurse the day after she delivered and was planning on being discharged later that afternoon. Katie bonded with the 2 parents of this sweet angel baby girl. She spent a lot of time with them talking, answering questions, just listening to them, and grieving with them. The mother told Katie that she just felt empty that she would be leaving the hospital with nothing in her arms, leaving her baby with the mortuary. Katie asked her own husband to go to the store and purchase a plush pink bunny, rice, and bring her embroidery supplies to work. Katie embroidered the little girl's name on the bunny's long, silky ear and then took out some of the stuffing and replaced it with rice to equal the exact grams their angel baby weighed. She gave the bunny to these parents with love and compassion. Katie has expressed to me that she will never forget this sweet couple and was honored to be able to help take care of all 3 of them. Katie lived our mission, helping this family live the healthiest lives possible. She not only cared for the patient, but also her spouse and angel baby. She treated them with dignity and love. She helped them to get connected with community resources, to be able to heal mentally as well as physically, as they navigated their journey without this baby at home with them and their 3 other children.

Katie made a lasting impact on this couple's life. They left a message for her about their stay and how she had helped them and impacted their stay. Even though this was a sad time for them, they recognized Katie's joy in helping them to have the best possible experience under the circumstances. She gave them comfort and love. This couple did not put the baby down once during their stay. They wanted her held for the entire time they had her here with them. Katie was willing to hold her when both parents were unable to for a short time. By giving of her time and talents, Katie showed selflessness and the very characteristics that define what being a nurse is.