New parents are grateful to Emma Carson for her compassion and advocacy during a lengthy stay in the Maternity Tower.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
Emma Carson has always been interested in women’s health and ICU care, so when an opportunity arose to join the OBICU team in the Riley Hospital for Children Maternity Tower two years ago, she jumped at it.
Before that, Carson worked in an intensive care unit at IU Health Methodist Hospital for several years, but she thought caring for moms-to-be who are experiencing high-risk complications at Riley would be a good way to take her existing skills into a new area and continue learning.
“I love that there is such a variety of challenges,” she said. “A lot of our patients here, especially in the antepartum area – the high-risk obstetric area – are here for months, so you really get to know the patients and they get to know you. Having that kind of connection with patients can help make their stay a little less lonely.”
Carson seeks to make that connection with all of her patients, but one couple felt particularly blessed and nominated Carson for a DAISY, a nursing award celebrating clinical expertise and compassionate care.
Carson was surprised with the award last week, as her team gathered around to celebrate her.
According to the nomination letter, the patient was admitted due to complications from pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by elevated blood pressure and other symptoms that can be serious, even deadly, if not addressed quickly.
She was required to stay in the hospital for several weeks before delivery, a time that can be very challenging for women as they wait to give birth.
Carson, however, made that time a little easier, due to her “compassionate presence and unwavering advocacy,” according to the nomination letter.
“Her dedication far exceeded our expectations. Her professionalism was matched by her empathy and ability to connect with her patients on a human level.”
Once the baby was born, Carson visited the couple in the postpartum unit to check on the woman’s recovery, even though she was no longer responsible for her care.
“That small but powerful gesture made us feel seen, cared for and valued as individuals, not just patients.”
Carson, who went to nursing school at IU in Indianapolis, enjoys traveling a couple of times a year, as well as hiking and kayaking, reading and crafting. She also loves hanging out with her cat, Judith.
Nominate a nurse who exemplifies excellent clinical skills and compassionate care here.
Photos submitted and by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org
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