Winning nomination (drawn at random)
Hi there EarlyBirds, I’d love to nominate our NICU nurse Jacynta Sefa at Mercy for Women Heidelberg.
I’ve put together our amazing reasons why:
“For a mum of 3 girls living in a country town you would think you would be prepared for your fourth baby, but not when her arrival came 11 weeks early, and the hospital nearest didn’t have enough equipment and resources for a baby born earlier than 32 weeks. Before we knew it, the arrival of our girl Maya happened so quickly and she was flown 3 hrs away to the Mercy for Women in Heidelberg. What was of an unknown place, was going to now be our home until our girl Maya was strong enough to head back home to the local hospital. Having spent 2 days away from Maya, until I was able to be transported to the Mercy for Women in Heidelberg, I was so nervous, so anxious, and so fearful of what I was going to be walking into. But from the moment I got to lay my eyes on my beautiful girl I knew she was in the best hands. Maya was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Ward for 4 weeks. Now when I say the best hands I literally mean that. We had the most caring, and most down to earth NICU nurse Jacynta. She watched over Maya for 12 hours each day providing her the care and support she needed. She gave us hope everyday that Maya was getting stronger and stronger. She made us be involved as much as we could with the care of Maya, changing her nappies, wiping her eyes and around her tubes. She made sure we had our cuddles daily, a chair or recliner to sit on, enough bottles for me to still be able to express and comfort as I recovered as well. She sat and she listened to our stories and our life with our other 3 girls. She shared her life and made us feel like we had been friends forever. She made us laugh and she was a shoulder to lean on when I was at my hardest moments. She was the strength we needed and the conversation we wanted when we sat by our daughters bed for hours daily. She showed love and support to my husband, who although put on a tough brave face daily, she gave him the reassurances and the care he also needed. She reminded us to smile and remembered our other girls' names, asking us how they were, and we often showed photos of them. The nurses would tell me Jacynta had been around to check on Maya even on the days she wasn’t looking after her. She made her a name plate for her cot and she would regularly update her window chart. As we moved down to the Special Care nursery we would see less of Jacynta, but don’t worry she would always pop around and check in on us. It wasn’t long before we left to return to the local hospital, and although we were going to miss Jacynta, she reminded us that this is all good news and being home was a huge step forward for Maya. We knew she was right. Throughout the toughest time we couldn’t have asked for anybody else to watch over and care for our girl, she was the rock we needed and we cannot thank her enough for the love and care she showed Maya and us. We won’t ever forget her and everything she did for us.
|Other Nominations
Jan gave us hope when we didn’t think it was possible. She stuck by us and looked after Cooper multiple times and on critical days early on. She not only cared for Cooper like he was her own but cared for us like we were family. We still keep in touch 4 years later. Thank you Jan! Love Cooper (Jessica and Bradley)
Tarleigh is a beautiful human, she’s amazing at her job and Cooper didn’t make her days easy. Even on a study day she popped in to see how we were all doing. Thank you. Love Cooper (Jessica and Bradley)
Jordan is beautiful. She could tell if it wasn’t a good day, her distraction was much loved. She cared for Cooper like he was family, encouraging his cheeky ways. There was always smiles in the room when Jordan was working. Thank you. Love Cooper (Jessica and Bradley)
I wanted to nominate a NICU nurse we had when In townsville with our little girl. Diminty - Townsville University Hospital. She as there form day 1 when I went in for my emergency classical caesarean. She was a god send during our stay, she knew our little girl and all her quirks. Freya used to scare some of the nurses with her alarms but Diminty would just walk in the room and say “Freya stop your nonsense and behave” and Frey would stop. Diminty was a bright light is a dark time for us and we loved having her as part of our daughter’s extended community.
I had my daughter at St. John of god Mildand and she went into the nursery for 2 weeks and a very special nurse was Savannah. She went above and beyond looking after her and would keep me updated constantly. I know a few other mums will definitely agree Savannah was a young and very helpful nurse and made me feel very comfortable ❤️
Hi! I’d like to nominate Di from the Liverpool Hospital NICU for the earlybirds prize. She was the nurse who was there for the birth of our 23+3 weeker nearly a year ago to the day and looked after him for his first 2 days (then many after). Through our whole time in NICU and outpatient follow ups afterwards, she was just the biggest light and comfort for us in the darkest of times. Thank you!
I would like to nominate the below nurses at Flinders Medical Centre neonatal.
Linda NICU/SCU
Sarah Team Leader
Kirsty NICU/SCU
Amy NICU/Team Leader
Hi I would like to nominate Erra whose a Nicu nurse from Townsville University Hospital she's has definitely gone above and beyond for us. There are soo many beautiful nurses there so it was really hard to pick one because they are all amazing and love what they do. Erra has prayed for my little girl who was born at 23 weeks 1 day. She has asked the church to pray. she has given me food to eat and been absolutely beautiful not to mention great at her job definitely deserves recognition.
I'd like to nominate the beautiful Nurse Janna from the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital. This nurse is just beautiful inside and out. She has been a huge part of our lives right from the moment our son Lincoln was born at 24+3 weeks. She was there with us during my emergency classical cesarean to assist the team in taking over care of our son. She helped my husband cut his cord and then talked him through the process and introduced him to the NICU. I believe it was the second night after having my son, I was so incredibly anxious I couldn't sleep so I went to the NICU visit my son and found her taking care of him. She answered every single one of my questions while being so gentle and caring. She gave me so much comfort during an incredibly stressful time. She even helped me to express and then let me watch as she fed my little boy. My wallpaper on my phone is still the photo she took from that night, of me giving my son 'hand cuddles'. Every little thing she did for us meant so much. Throughout the next few months of our journey she was always around, constantly checking in and offering a hug in the hallway. Sadly we transferred hospitals so quickly so we never got to say goodbye but thankfully we got to see her again when we were back down for my son's specialist appointment. Was amazing getting to see her again. I will never stop being thankful for everything she did to support and comfort my husband and I during our 149 day NICU stay.
Can I please nominate the following nurses for the most amazing neonatal nurse
Nicole - Gold Coast University Hospital was there at the start with my twins and all the way through to the end of our 4 months being with us when one passed away.
Cecilia Marchisella - Gold Coast Uni Hospital- always managed to keep us looking into the positive side of the darkest days. Made us apart of everything she is amazing.
Tim - GCUH no longer works there but still keeps in touch he was amazing not letting anything get to him when we were there. (There were 2 major instances he never changed his face expression and saved our girl) When we went palliative with 1 baby made her room up like she was always there. These are just 3 of our amazing nurses and we had over 60 different nurses during our 4mth stay.
Hi! I'd like to nominate Maia, Shantelle and Casey from Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton for the NICU nurse award. I work with them as an undergrad nurse and the love and care they give to each baby they come across is incredible.
Hi there! I have 2 people that equally deserve to be nominated for the most amazing nicu scbu nurses at on this planet! For context our babe was born at 26 weeks and spent 93 days at Womens and childrens hospital Adelaide. Firstly- the Nicu nurse i wish to nominate is Emily. She was one of the first nurses we met and was with us for a lot of dark days. She was always supportive, communicated well and always made sure we understood exactly what we were being told. Her brightly bubbly personality, her infectious smile, you always knew you were in for a good day if she was around. Even once graduating from nicu, she always popped in to check on how she was going which was an amazing feeling. Secondly the scbu nurse i wish to nominate is Stacey. I don’t even know where to begin. For someone so so young, she was the most amazing mature caring person and I'm so incredibly grateful for her. Scbu for us was the close to leaving and we had a few setbacks in terms of staff doing what was easier for them vs what was best for our baby- stacey would not stand for it. She was ALWAYS pro making sure all staff looking after lucy knew i was nearby and wanting to breastfeed, always ensured that if i was around i was as much hands on I could, she always sent me updates on the days i wasn’t there and always always had the most positive attitude that was always babies needs come first even if that means she runs late for her shift. Stacey was the nurse that really got me through my final 8 weeks, she rode the tears, the joys, the frustration and always ensured that I had support. Even her care for the other babies and mums/dads within her bay, nothing was ever an issue, she was always so attentive, so loving and always loved our babies when we couldn’t. I could talk for hours about her. She.is.a.god. There is literally maybe 15 people I could nominate as so many people made such a life long impact to my journey. Thankyou for acknowledging these amazing humans.
In late October last year I gave birth to a little girl Evaliah at just 24 weeks, it was a complete and utter shock and turned our worlds upside down entirely. We spent 144 days in NICU/special care at Monash Children’s hospital and came home only a few weeks ago. The staff at Monash were all beyond amazing and always went above and beyond and made us feel loved and supported on some of our darkest of days. They always showed up and made sure we were okay. I would like to nominate two nurses if that’s okay. First one being Courtney who truly is just sunshine in human form, she always made us feel like we weren’t alone and when we were full of questions or worry she always would spend the time with us to answer/make us understand. I don’t have enough words to describe the impact she made on our lives, but she is so beyond deserving of this award and to just be recognised and made aware of how good she is at what she does. We love her so much and are forever thankful. Second I would like to nominate Lauren, who again ALWAYS went above and beyond for our family and made coming home that little bit easier for us. She was always there when needed and truly made us see the light at the end of the tunnel when we began to lose hope of our girl coming home soon. She is truly amazing at what she does and we couldn’t be more thankful again for all she did for us and our baby girl. She spent the time with her and us and became apart of our family almost instantly with her open and bubbly personality. They both work at Monash Children’s Hospital- Clayton. Thanks
I would like to nominate a nurse for the competition/draw. Her name is Kayleen, from RNSH NICU. She was looking after my daughter, Bianca, when she was in isolation and was able to identify early signs of NEC. Because she was so quick, the unit managed to intervene and use every resource possible to save our girl. Kayleen stayed back after her shift until Bianca was transferred to another hospital for surgery. Kayleen could have gone home to her family on that Sunday, but she stayed by our side, reassuring that there was still hope. She cried with us, hugged us, consoled us. She is a fantastic professional and human being. Unfortunately Bianca did not survive the surgery and we came back to RNSH NICU to continue caring for the other twin Camila. We kept seeing Kayleen and she was always super caring and empathetic with our loss. She also cared for Camila at one stage and helped me giving Camila's first bed bath. Kayleen is the nurse ally that every NICU parent needs!
Hi, May I please nominate Lee from Saint John of God Subiaco for the nurses award. Lee went above and beyond while my twins and I were in the NICU for 7 weeks. Even on her days off and we were pretty much the only patients in there at one time. She went above and beyond to make sure that I understood what was going on and that we were comfortable.
I would love to nominate my 2 nurses Jacinta and Jolene.They are special care nurses at Mitchum private in Melbourne. They are both mother angels , they deserve this so much. . I had my first born baby 9 weeks premature, almost 10 years ago. Jacinta and Jolene cared for my baby for 8 weeks as a tag team ( managers ) of the special care nursery. My baby Ella was in the very best of hands , and the level of care and she received from these two amazing ladies was hands down the best in the world. Not only did they care for ella , they supported me though the most scary , special , happy , and unknown experience I had ever faced and that I was very unprepared for. They offered friendship , care , support and made me feel like I was at total ease leaving my baby in their hands. They helped me , guided me , explained everything..... no matter how busy , or how hard it was. The care and time to be honest , and give me confidence will be something I can never repay. I then went though a ivf fertility journey with my second baby , 8 years later .... archie was just born 17 months ago full term , and went to the special care nursery for the first 5 days. When they took archie with my partner from the delivery room , again all the emotions came quickly back of what it was like not to be able to be with your baby straight away ....My partner called me straight away from the special care nursery on FaceTime ..... so i could not miss those first hours of his life , and out of utter surprise..... my angels were there , both of them .... 10 years later , Jacinta and Jolene. The tears were rolling down my face , I wasn't scared of worried anymore ..... they were there , the two girls I would leave my children with in a Heartbeat.... I trusted them with my everything. My partner was so amazed at how quickly my anxiety went from 100 to 0. Sometimes people are placed on this earth in magical ways , these two are an amazing team .... both bringing different things to their jobs , but most of all beautiful smart women .... supporting women though childbirth and becoming a mum. No words seem enough to describe these beautiful souls. Their professionalism, their knowledge, their hearts ..... I’m forever grateful I was so lucky. Nikala x
I would like to nominate Emma at Calvary public hospital Bruce, ACT. She is absolutely incredible at her job. She made the biggest difference throughout this difficult journey for my family.
Hi there, I would like to nominate Teigan at John Hunter hospital NICU NSW for an award of recognition.
Natalie, she goes by Nani, Townsville University Hospital NICU. Cassandra, Mackay Base Hospital.
Hi I would like to nominate Erica at Nepean Hospital. My daughter was born in July 2022 at 27 weeks. Erica cared for her many times during our NICU stay. But the first time I met Erica, which I think was on day 2 of our NICU stay, she explained to me so many things in a way that made it easy to understand, at a time when i was confused and very emotional. One particular time when our daughter was 2 weeks old when Erica was looking after her, she was very quick to act when she realised my daughter wasn't herself and had a high temp, so she called the doctors in to start antibiotics and to run tests so that my daughter did not get any worse. She checked in with us the next day to see how she was. and I regularly seen her in the hospital corridors for hello or catch up. We were transferred to another hospital so quickly that I didn't get to say bye but I am very thankful to Erica and all of the wonderful nurses at Nepean Hospital for taking such good care of our little girl.
Hello, I’d like to nominate Chelsea at the Royal Women’s Hospital (Melbourne). She was one of the first midwives we met on our 7 week long NICU journey with our 30 weeker- an amazing person to introduce us to our new way of life during that time. She was so warm and answered every question patiently. She was thorough, efficient and fastidious too, which really put our minds at ease. A few weeks into our stay, she helped to save my little girl’s life and she wasn’t even supposed to be working at the time. She had just finished her shift and came to our room to see us off, as we were supposed to be moving to another part of the hospital. She stuck around because she “just had a gut feeling that something wasn’t quite right”. Her intuition proved right when our little girl stopped breathing twice not long after she arrived. She sprung to action and helped to save her life. I will forever be grateful to her and what she has given our family. I’ll never forget her and I think of her often.
Nominating Nurse Brit from Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital (RBWH) We spent 93 days in the NICU, and we felt so well cared for by Brit. Even when she was on another baby, she’d always go out of her way to check in on us and our little girl. Brit was always big on not only helping the babies, but also checking in on the parents. She always demonstrated empathy, love and genuine care for our baby girl. She made our NICU journey a less scary and lonely place just by her beautiful and selfless personality. The RBWH are very lucky to have such an excellent nurse in their team.
