Nevea Bowie
May 2018
Nevea
Bowie
,
RN
NICU
Dignity Health St. Bernardine Medical Center
San Bernardino
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

As NICU charge nurse, Nevea was called to the Emergency Room for an in-coming 30 week gestation baby born at home, in full code. When she arrived, the Emergency Room had already started CPR. The baby was obviously less than 30 weeks, more like 23 weeks. Nevea took over the code, performing neonatal resuscitation at its best. She took control, calmly telling staff members what needed to be done in performing advanced practice skills at their best. Unfortunately, this baby died in the Emergency Room. Nevea then waited with the baby until it could be clocked by the examiner. She brought the baby to the NICU, showing the utmost respect and dignity to this tiny life. She carefully washed the baby, obtained hand and footprints for the mother and then dressed the baby in a special dress, making the baby look as normal and peaceful as possible. Nevea then spent time with the mother while she held her dead infant. Nevea's quiet, calm, warm and kind presence at this difficult time, helped the mother to find solace and closure. All NICU nurses perform these tasks but I have rarely seen it done with such respect and dignity and yes, human kindness.