December 2019
Lisa
Gazdziak
,
BSN, RN
NICU
Advocate Children's Hospital
Oak Lawn
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

I am not a first-time mom but a first-time preemie mom to my twins. There were many days when I felt unsure of what was going on with my boys. I felt defeated more times than not and there weren't many nurses who had the patience or cared to explain to me information that was vital to my boys during their NICU stay. It was then I met Lisa. Lisa took great pride in caring for my twins and showed me the most compassion. She has taught me so much during our stay in the NICU, as well as, showed me the utmost compassion and patience as I began to embark on my journey as a preemie parent. As a mom to preemies, I often found that I was a bit anxious and unwilling to leave my boys, but with Lisa as their nurse I was able to find myself leaving to care for my older child at home knowing that she would provide these boys with the same care, I would as a mom. She encourages the boys and is always positive in her words and actions. She celebrates each little victory with me and has become one of their biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I look forward to the days I walk into their NICU room and see her smiling face and her caring for these little men.
Being a preemie mom means learning a whole new set of parenting habits, skills, and rules regardless of whether you have parented other children prior. I couldn't think of a more amazing nurse to teach me how to care for my boys. She gave me hope during our stay. She advocated for them throughout their journey. She listened to my concerns and would always address each one as they arose. She did what was best for them and their care. She was attentive to their needs and cues. I cannot even formulate all the words to describe Lisa and her exceptional compassion and care. I am so appreciative to have such an incredible woman to be a part of their team. She is our superhero. There is no doubt in my mind that Lisa will continue to be a favorite nurse to NICU parents and preemie patients throughout the years. She truly is one of a kind.