My Journey With Elena

Elena as a Newborn

When Elena was born she was in the NICU for 6 months. At the time I was taking my perquisites for nursing school and just received my CNA and was amazed by the care the nurses were giving her. I was able to observe NICU nurses and how they tackle their workload at such a fast yet calming pace. My medical knowledge back then was very little but it created a spark to accomplish my goals.

PICU Stay

Since Elena lives 2 hours away, to give her mom a break I had the blessing of being able to stay with her while she was in the PICU for a week. It was such a learning experience to see how the Nurses not only interacted with the patient but with the family as well. Observing the interprofessional collaboration of the healthcare team showed me how vital it is to have communication to ensure quality care for the patient. I observed throughout my stay how the nurses maintained strong communication to the parents and family. I was taught how to suction her trach, administer her breathing treatments, and chest physiotherapy with a percussion tool. My stay with her was right after applying to nursing school; when times were hard I always reminisced these days and inspired me to persevere.

First Sleep Over

In my second semester of nursing school, my spring break was booked! Elena got to stay with me for a few days and I learned so much. I was so nervous and excited to handle her care. She had trach care which I assisted with my aunt as well as g-tube care and feedings. I was able to learn how to manage the feedings and care with the help of facetiming my cousin (Elena's Mom) and prior teaching.

Trach Care

After a few sleepovers there was one where I felt confident to perform nursing duties on my own. I asked to do trach care on my own and I did; with so much success when I asked Elena how I did she said, "good.' I was so happy that we were able to get through without crying from Elena nor myself. I had to ensure that not only all my supplies were present but that they were not reachable to her little grasp.

Suctioned trach

On another sleepover, it was morning time and I had just brushed Elena's teeth. I had noticed some congestion so on a facetime with her mom we decided that I needed to suction her trach, with my cousins help to set everything together after the call I was able to suction Elena without difficulty and hearing her breathing sound better was such a relief.

Managing Time On a Toddlers Schedule

Elena has taught me how to manage time not only on a toddlers schedule but on a nursing schedule as well. My time while caring for her had to be on schedule throughout the day. She was great at maintaining her schedule and a great help when caring her trach and g-tube.

The Journey Continues....

ELENA GRACE

This beautiful girl continues to amaze me in an abundance of ways. She kept me going throughout nursing school and continues to keep me enamored by her strength and resilience.

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