NancyParnell is a true DAISY Nurse for her expert critical care skills in the NICU. She has over 20+ years of level III experience as well as 15+ years of Level IV at previous facilities. Her passion is bereavement, or a loss of a person, in which she has sought out further education, researched evidence-based practices, and implemented guidelines to help our parents in the unfortunate loss of their child.
Nancyhas been instrumental in organizing a bereavement closet for the NICU. This is an area in the NICU which holds a memory box with items for the parents to look back upon later in their grieving process. This area also includes specialty blankets with layette gowns, caps, etc. to dress these patients making this horrible experience a little more tolerable. Our precious prints kits are kept here as well.
In years past, Nancy served on the Hospital-wide Bereavement Committee and was a huge part in the development of our Butterfly Room, a specific room for parents to hold their dying infant in private area with the support of the Nursing Staff. Even though she is not a grievance counselor, she serves as a huge support person not only for the parents, but the Nursing and Medical Staff in the loss of one of our patients. Death is a difficult part of Nursing. Especially when the NICU has more success stories and happy endings. Knowing that we have a member of our staff that is willing to go the extra mile, demonstrates an amazing compassion of caring for the dying baby, and exhibits an extraordinary commitment to excellence in this part of our Nursing Career is an extraordinary asset for the NICU and to East TN Children's Hospital.