May 2012
Ruth
Rowe
,
BSN, RN
LDRP
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville
Beeville
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Ruth Rowe has been a nurse in our LDRP unit for many years, she has made a difference in the lives of many patients however there is one story in particular in which Ruth personified ALL of the attributes of a DAISY Nurse.

One of our OB/GYN's recently brought to our attention a pending delivery of a baby who was diagnosed with anencephaly. The ethics committee of our hospital arranged a family conference with the parents, grandparents, MD, Case and Unit Manager, front line nurses, chaplain and ethics representatives to discuss plan of care options. Ruth was present for this case conference, as painful as the discussions were Ruth managed to form the beginnings of a trusting relationship with the expectant mother during the case conference. The expectant mother specifically asked if Ruth was going to be at the delivery. However the delivery was scheduled on Ruth's day off. Ruth responded that she would do everything possible to be there and she was.

Ruth continued to build her relationship with the patient and family, she offered support, care and compassion and reassurance to everyone. Ruth worked with all members of the care team to meet the needs of this patient and the wishes of the parents. We all watched Ruth give of herself willingly and selflessly.

Ruth was precepting a new nurse to LDRP and was able to role model and teach a new nurse how to navigate a difficult situation with compassion and grace.