“Competent Hands Matched with a Compassionate Heart”

This week we are celebrating Nurses Week and the nurses who deliver care across the hospital in virtually all of our programs.  From May 6th-12th, special events are being held to recognize and reward all they do to support the children and families we serve.  As part of the celebration, all nurses have been invited to submit their thoughts about what’s great about being a nurse at Franciscan Hospital for Children.  We hope to share some of those responses on our social media channels as Nurses Week concludes.  Other activities include a hosted lunch, workplace massages, a blessing of the hands and more, all designed to convey how very appreciated our nurses are.

As an example of many, we’re pleased to share the news that  one of our very special nurses will be honored at an upcoming event hosted by Laboure College.  Nick Barry was selected as one of the recipients of this year’s Compassionate Caregiver Award, based on the nomination letter below.

Dear selection committee:

At Franciscan Hospital for Children, our mission is to be a place of hope and healing where children with special healthcare needs and their families are empowered to learn and thrive. As nurses, sometimes reality dictates that providing care and inspiring hope is possible, but physical healing is beyond our reach. This reality is one of the greatest challenges of our role. We strive to do everything we can to bring joy and comfort on the journey. We’re proud to share a story of one of our colleagues, Nick, who did that in a profound way with one of our recent patients.

Several months ago, a 3 year old girl was sent to Franciscan Hospital for Children to regain some of her basic skills after she suffered a stroke due to a brain tumor. Alisha wore pink outfits with a tiara whenever possible. Always a princess, her lead nurse, Nick, quickly became one of her favorite princes. Nick was always able to make Alisha smile despite the chronic pain she endured. A sudden change in her status required she be transferred back to the acute care setting. Against all hope, her condition continued to deteriorate. Her parents let us know of her decline. At the same time Nick experienced a death in his own family. When notified of Alisha’s condition, wearing his suit and tie from the wake, he headed for the hospital. Many people had arrived to say goodbye to Alisha. Alisha sat silently, eyes closed, on the ICU bed amidst the alarms of pumps and monitors. Every once in a while Alisha would nod to her mother’s questions about her pain or discomfort. A final decision was made to not remove any more fluid from the shunt in Alisha’s head. Amidst the visitors and hospital staff, Nick slipped into the room. No one had noticed his entrance until Alisha and he began to sing her favorite Disney song, ‘Let It Go.’ Though only a wisp of a voice and a wave of one hand, Alisha let everyone know of the bond she had made with her very favorite nurse and friend.

While this is only a single story in the emerging career of this young nurse, it demonstrates the compassion Nick has for his patients; reaching beyond the work setting and into the hearts of patients and families.  Nick has not only touched the hearts of many of the children he has worked with at Franciscan Hospital for Children but has also bonded with the parents of these very special children. Caring for children with multiple, complex medical conditions is both taxing and rewarding.  Nick is balanced in his approach to this important work.  His easy- going nature and infectious smile endears him to his patients as well as his co-workers. Compassion goes beyond the tasks that need to be checked off to find the uniqueness of each patient and family. Nick displays compassionate care through his thoughtful concern for parents caught in one of the most challenging times of their lives. At the same time, Nick’s playful nature ensures that his patients have their time to be kids; to play, laugh, and sing. 

We’re proud to recognize and honor one of our own – a young man who embodies what makes a good nurse.  Competent hands matched with a compassionate heart. 

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We’re so proud of Nick and know that there are many more stories like this one. Want to share your note of appreciation for a nurse who has made a difference in your life?  Drop us a line at info@fhfc.org

Thanks to all our nurses for all they do, this week and every week of the year!