When you’re a first-time parent, everything feels big — the love, the fear, the responsibility, the joy. It’s a time filled with wonder, questions and a lot of “Are we doing this right?” That’s why compassionate care can make all the difference.
For new parents Anna Kinnison and her husband, that difference came in the form of a gentle, kind-hearted nurse: Pam Charrier, RN, at St. Francis Medical Center’s newborn nursery.
The Kinnisons’ son had to stay in the hospital a little longer for phototherapy due to high bilirubin levels, a stressful detour from the plan they envisioned. But that’s when they met Pam.
A Calming Presence in a Season of Uncertainty
“Mrs. Pam has the most kind and compassionate way about her,” Anna wrote in her DAISY Award nomination. “Her warm personality, her encouraging words and her evident passion for her field shone through in every interaction.”
From their very first conversation, Pam helped turn what could have been a worrisome time into something empowering. She offered practical breastfeeding guidance, celebrated the small wins with Anna and made both parents feel confident in their ability to care for their newborn.
“She honestly taught us more in our few days with her than we ever learned in our months of research on our own,” Anna wrote.
Above and Beyond, Always
When their son needed to be under the phototherapy light, Pam went the extra mile, literally repositioning his bassinet so his parents could see him through their hospital window.
“She secured him a spot right in front of the window facing our hospital room so we could see our baby from our window, truly going above and beyond!” Anna wrote. “She even snapped a few pictures of him for us, assuring us we wouldn’t want to forget a thing — and she was right!”
Confidence, Comfort and Compassion
Pam’s consistent support gave the new parents more than just medical explanations. She gave them peace of mind. Every update, every transition and every feeding came with thoughtful guidance and a genuine smile.
“She made us feel supported and loved during our stay, and she extended this to our families as well,” Anna wrote. “I wish every new mom could have a Mrs. Pam.”
Honoring a Nurse Who Made a Lasting Impact
Thanks to Anna’s heartfelt nomination, Pam Charrier was selected as St. Francis Health’s DAISY Award Winner for Quarter 1 of 2024, a well-deserved recognition of the difference she made in this family’s life.
“She exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary nurse,” Anna wrote. And we couldn’t agree more.
