On April 15, 2008, the most wonderful yet also the most terrifying experience of my life happened; I gave birth to my daughter, Callia. During my pregnancy, my doctor diagnosed me with preeclampsia. After my blood pressure was found to be exceedingly high, my labor was induced which meant that I would give birth to a premature baby of four pounds. As soon as Callia was born, she was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), leaving me behind, nervous and scared, questioning the type of medical care she was receiving.
In the days that followed, I was anxious and fearful as I waited for news of Callia’s health and hoped that she was receiving the best care possible. The only thing that kept me sane was one of Callia’s nurses, Ginnie. Ginnie assured me that Callia would receive the highest quality of care and explained what her treatment plan entailed. Due to my uncontrollable blood pressure, several days passed before I was able to visit Callia. Ginnie called me from the NICU everyday that I was away from Callia and updated me on her status and any concerns that I had. She often sent photographs – and once even footprints – so that I could feel closer to Callia while we were separated.
After three endless days, I was finally allowed to visit the NICU. Nervous to see my daughter for the first time since her birth, I slowly walked towards her isolette. I was absolutely horrified when I saw my daughter hooked up to so many machines and with an IV protruding from a vein in her head. Ginnie recognized the look of terror on my face and, from that moment on, guided me through every step of Callia’s treatment. She offered support through even the most seemingly instinctual tasks of breastfeeding and diaper changing. Although she often had preemies with more serious conditions, she was never burdened by my concerns for my daughter’s health. I cannot explain how relieved, touched and grateful I am to Ginnie for the personal care that she gave both Callia and me.
Throughout Callia’s time at the NICU, I was able to experience nursing through the patient’s perspective. Ginnie showed me the importance of working with each patient and not just their pathology. Nursing is the integration of medicine and nurturing; it is the partnership of healing and caring. I believe that nursing provides the opportunity to impact the lives of whole families, and even communities, through holistic care and guidance. The essence of nursing is reflected in the Roberts Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Scholarship, as it generously promotes the advancement of the health care community. Investing in the development of new nurses exemplifies the concept of caring and selflessness. With the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, I believe that I will be able to personally contribute to this mission by influencing the lives of patients, as Ginnie has influenced mine.
