Cathy Jones, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
WellStar Kennestone
Having a baby is so often a joyous time for the expectant parents, but when the news is not good, no words can describe the anguish. However, thanks to the compassion and understanding of WellStar Kennestone’s Cathy Jones one young family found comfort, constant support and closure.
“The couple’s news from the perinatologist was not good,” said Jones, who’s been an OB nurse for nearly 25 years. “Even though they knew they’d have only a short time with their newborn son, they decided to go ahead with the delivery. I knew that we could do as much as possible to help and support them through this difficult time.”
Jones contacted the parents and kept in close touch with them through the remainder of the pregnancy. She developed a plan to honor their wishes so that they could maximize their time with their newborn son while keeping him comfortable. She advocated with the hospital administration to be present at the birth, even though she was not the nurse on the case.
“The patient went into labor during the night and I came in right away. Everyone on the team knew the plan was to immediately put the baby on Mom’s chest and give the couple as much time as they needed. At a time like this, there are no rules.” What Jones does not mention is that she was on vacation when she was called, according to her colleague and nominator Mary Hunicutt.
With their permission, Jones used their phone and took video and photos while the parents gave their son his first bath and said goodbye. “God used this experience to allow the parents to celebrate the beauty of their son’s brief life.” Jones continues to stay in touch with the couple, who have since created a fund in their son’s name to create the hospital’s “Journey through Bereavement” that helps other families cope with similar situations.”
Hunicutt adds, “Cathy is an exceptional employee but she is really an exceptional person. Cathy sees her work as an extension of her faith and she treats every patient with dignity, respect, and compassion … she touched the life of this family in a special way that they will always remember, and I am very honored to work side by side with her.”
