Blooming with gratitude for pediatric nurses

Not long ago, when COVID-19 began spreading across the globe, people stood on doorsteps, banging pots and pans to show gratitude for nurses. While the noise has quieted, the dedication nurses bring to the job hasn’t.

The lifelong relationships pediatric nurses build with their patients and families and their ability to distill complex information in a way kids can understand are what sets them apart in the nursing world. Often an initial point of contact for youth in the health care system, pediatric nurses shape how a child will think about their health, encouraging curiosity and understanding. Nurses make intimidating procedures feel more approachable and extend their compassion beyond patients to embrace the needs of each family.

Pediatric Nurses Week, Oct. 7-12, is an opportunity to shine a light on the differences these professionals make at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s.

Recognizing excellence with The DAISY Award

Today, more than 2,000 health care facilities worldwide participate in The DAISY Award program, which has been recognizing licensed nursing professionals who exemplify compassionate care since 1999. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the individual impact of each nurse on an international stage.

Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is proud to have five remarkable pediatric nurses who have been recognized in the past six years. Here’s what their patients, families and colleagues had to say (and draw) about them:

“Amy McGlinchy, RN, has worked for Mary Bridge for many years and has always risen to the challenges. One of the life mottos Amy lives by is so easy for all of us to follow: be kind. She truly is the shining star of being kind. Often, I have heard her share that it costs nothing to be kind! From the staff to the parents and patients, Amy shows the highest level of compassion and kindness, with deep respect for each individual. She is reasonable and will ask questions to clarify understanding, she will pause to learn more about situations and is not one to jump into something without all known information and make a rash decision.”

“I had to go to the ER myself because I injured my tailbone. It pained me to leave my newborn but Marlowe Maytorena, RN, gave me such peace of mind that it was okay to leave. My daughter and I had her the night before and she truly was attentive not just to my baby but to making sure I was also OK.

She never made me feel bad about calling to check on the baby. Even when I came back from a 6-hour wait at the ER she insisted that I sleep and [that] she would take care of the baby. She made me feel safe and I completely trusted her. She is truly a blessing!”

“Through the past 4 years I have been admitted to Mary Bridge at least 15 times. I have had many amazing nurses, but the one who truly stands out to me is Olivia Keene, RN, BSN. Even when I am in so much pain or struggling, or even after throwing up less than 5 minutes beforehand, she always finds a way to make me laugh and smile. She makes sure to not only care for me medically but mentally as well. She is so good at advocating for me to make sure I have anything I need to make things less stressful for me and my mom. She always goes above and beyond to give 110% to everything. Even though she cares for multiple kids at a time, she makes me feel like I am special.” 

“Jason Long, BA, RN, CPN, comes to work with a positive attitude and tries to make a difference just by being present. He meets our families where they are and does not pass judgment on the families. Jason has a passion for caring for our oncology patients. He has cared for some of our toughest situations and has conducted himself professionally, but also with an open heart and a kind demeanor. He allows our families to be present with their child on their daily journey and is present with some families through the anguish of losing their child. Recently, Jason cared for a difficult behavioral health patient and he was amazing. Jason was patient and kind and despite the patient being aggressive, Jason stayed calm, remained physically and emotionally present with the child and mother. I was truly in awe of his ability to calm this child, keep the child and staff safe and minimize the use of medications and other measures.”

“My family and I were admitted to the ER for my infant. Once we finally got into our [overnight monitoring] room, Natalie Bisceglia, RN, BSN, CPN, was extremely welcoming, warm, had zero judgmental tone, and was extremely uplifting. Anything we asked for (being the needy couple we are) she did with a smile and promptly. Every question we asked she had an answer or was willing to find out promptly. Natalie went over and beyond for us which turned this exhausting, scary, frustrating moment into a wonderful pleasant informing hospital trip. Natalie is a rock star and an extraordinary nurse. Natalie, thank you so, so much for your amazing, informational, and caring service.” 

These nurses embody the heart and soul of pediatric care. They’re a small sample of the hundreds of pediatric nurses at Mary Bridge Children’s who are committed to caring for kids of all ages. Their work makes a lasting positive impression on each family in their care.