Lisa Meadows
July 2019
Lisa
Meadows
,
RN
Neonatal ICU
CAMC Women and Children's Hospital
,
WV
United States

 

 

 

I never imagined when I became pregnant, that my child would spend the first four months of her life in a NICU. I also never imagined that her nurse would play such an important role in not only my child's life but also mine. Lisa went above just addressing medical needs, she was my shoulder to cry on when my guilt for having a premature baby overwhelmed me. She was my knowledge when the medical terms and diagnosis became too much to handle. She was my child's advocate when I needed just a few hours of sleep. She became someone that not only my baby needed, but I needed as well. She was my saving grace and I'm forever thankful that she was in my life and my child's.
***
While caring for one of our tiniest patients and their families, Lisa acted as an advocate for not only the patient but the family as well. A bond of trust was formed with the family as she continually worked towards facilitating the best plan of care for her patient. She used her years of experience as a NICU nurse to recognize the patient and family's ever-changing needs and supported those needs daily as the weeks turned into months coordinating with surgeons, neonatologists, cardiologists, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, optometrist, and the primary care team.
Even on the difficult days when bad news had to be given or mom was upset, Lisa stood by the patient and family offering a kind word, shoulder to cry on, or a gentle touch to let them know she cared. Lisa is a credit to her profession she has provided exemplary care with compassion and respect.