In Pediatric Supportive Care Services (PSCS—also known as Palliative Care), we assist in caring for children with complex, life-limiting medical needs. Our role is to meet families exactly where they are, emotionally, spiritually, and in terms of medical literacy, helping them identify resources and supporting them as they process their child’s condition and prognosis. This is not always an easy task.

Our team recently supported a family who would greatly benefit from home nursing, but the child’s mother was extremely anxious and not accepting of additional support. She openly expressed distrust toward others, especially when it came to caring for her child. Many staff members had difficulty working with this family for various reasons, but Leah was able to connect with her in a way no one else had been able to.

Through tears, conversation, and genuine emotional support, this mother shifted from refusing help to now praising our team and looking forward to having home nursing. When I returned from being out of the office for several weeks, I visited this family prior to discharge, and mom was incredibly appreciative of Leah and everything she had done. She repeatedly shared that if it had not been for Leah, she would still be refusing additional care. She emphasized how much it meant that Leah took the time to sit with her, listen to her fears, and truly understand her concerns.

This family has historically switched between every hospital system in town due to mistrust, but now they trust the University, largely because Leah met mom where she was, without judgment, and persisted with compassion until real trust was formed.

I should add that Leah accomplished all of this while our team was short two members, essentially doing the work of three. She never faltered.

Leah is a fantastic nurse, and I feel privileged to work alongside her!