Michelle Kennedy
August 2025
Michelle
Kennedy
,
BSN, RNC-EFM
New Beginnings
Atrium Health Lincoln
Lincolnton
,
NC
United States
At the time, our unit did not have a camera, so Michelle went out of her way and contacted her husband to bring her personal camera to take photos for the family, as requested
I would like to recognize Michelle Kennedy for the care and compassion she provided to a family who sadly experienced a late miscarriage of one of their twin baby girls. In times like these in our profession, it is emotionally challenging to experience a loss as a nurse and to offer comfort to a family experiencing such a tragedy. The couple had learned on their previous visit that their baby no longer had a heartbeat, and they were scheduled to have a cesarean delivery.
On the day of delivery, Michelle was the charge nurse, and A was the baby nurse, and together they shared the responsibilities for the care of the stillborn baby. A and Michelle prepared a room in the nursery area for the parents to be able to visit their baby when they were ready. They utilized the cooling cot because the family desired to have a baby baptism performed in the hospital, but it would have to be done at a later time. The cooling cot allowed more time for the family to be with their baby.
At the time, our unit did not have a camera, so Michelle went out of her way and contacted her husband to bring her personal camera to take photos for the family, as requested. I know these photos meant so much to this family that was meeting their baby for the first time, but also saying goodbye. Michelle spent a lot of time taking various photos for the family and provided them with the SD card for them to make prints. Michelle and A prepared a memory box, including handprints and footprints that were taken and given to the family.
Michelle also stayed after her shift to complete the required paperwork and charting when this unfortunate outcome occurred. It's not an everyday occurrence that our unit experiences a loss such as this, but when it does, it is challenging. There are many things that need to be done; however, supporting the family and providing excellent care and dignity to the stillborn child remains important. Michelle and A exemplified this. Thank you, Michelle, for your leadership and support in this difficult situation. Congratulations, Michelle, on receiving this special award, and thank you for all you do!
On the day of delivery, Michelle was the charge nurse, and A was the baby nurse, and together they shared the responsibilities for the care of the stillborn baby. A and Michelle prepared a room in the nursery area for the parents to be able to visit their baby when they were ready. They utilized the cooling cot because the family desired to have a baby baptism performed in the hospital, but it would have to be done at a later time. The cooling cot allowed more time for the family to be with their baby.
At the time, our unit did not have a camera, so Michelle went out of her way and contacted her husband to bring her personal camera to take photos for the family, as requested. I know these photos meant so much to this family that was meeting their baby for the first time, but also saying goodbye. Michelle spent a lot of time taking various photos for the family and provided them with the SD card for them to make prints. Michelle and A prepared a memory box, including handprints and footprints that were taken and given to the family.
Michelle also stayed after her shift to complete the required paperwork and charting when this unfortunate outcome occurred. It's not an everyday occurrence that our unit experiences a loss such as this, but when it does, it is challenging. There are many things that need to be done; however, supporting the family and providing excellent care and dignity to the stillborn child remains important. Michelle and A exemplified this. Thank you, Michelle, for your leadership and support in this difficult situation. Congratulations, Michelle, on receiving this special award, and thank you for all you do!