Many of us wear multiple hats in life. Advanced practice providers are no different. They dedicate themselves to caring for children, but at home, they’re simply parents. The following story comes from a place many providers can relate to – the vulnerability of their own child’s health and the profound gratitude for the incredible care we provide at Akron Children’s.
Lauren Lewis, lead APP in The Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute, supported by The Paul and Carol David Foundation, recently shared her own personal experience as a patient’s parent. It began with a seemingly idyllic fall day.
“On October 26, I took my 3-year-old daughter and my 21-month-old son, Wyatt, for a hike,” she said. “It was a perfect fall day. The kids were thrilled to be outside, throwing up leaves and jumping in the piles.”
APP Lauren Lewis with her husband and two children.
But within a few short days, Wyatt started coughing and developed a fever.
“When his fever spiked and his breathing became labored my mama instincts kicked in, and we rushed him to the ER,” said Lauren.
Lauren described the following days as a blur of worry and fear as Wyatt was admitted to the hospital.
“I found myself pacing the floor,” she said. “Wyatt was in significant respiratory distress and an MRT (medical response team) was called to his room. He had developed pneumonia and was septic.”
Wyatt receives care in the PICU after becoming septic.
Amy McHenry, critical care nurse practitioner, showed up as part of Wyatt’s MRT team that day.
“I knew right away he needed to be transferred to the PICU for additional respiratory support,” said Amy. “As I turned my attention to his parents, I recognized Lauren right away and saw how distressed she and her husband were. When I explained we needed to transfer Wyatt to the PICU, I could see the relief on her face.”
“In that moment, the fear that had me paralyzed lifted a little. I knew Amy would take care of Wyatt,” said Lauren. “Her warmth and kindness were exactly what I needed.”
The next day was even more critical. Wyatt needed to be intubated, a chest tube placed, fluids administered, and additional support measures initiated. Throughout it all, Amy was there.
“No one enjoys caring for a colleague’s child, and I know it added an extra layer of complexity for Amy,” said Lauren. “Looking back, I realize I might have been overbearing, unable to leave Wyatt’s side, and probably a shadow of my usual self. But through it all, Amy focused on what mattered most – Wyatt’s recovery.”
Amy said while it was emotionally difficult for her to watch the distress Lauren and her husband were experiencing, she knew the best way to help them was to help Wyatt.
“Wyatt reached the peak of his illness literally in front of my eyes,” said Amy. “I was concerned for him, and intervened as I’m trained to do. However, there was a different level of stress and concern for Wyatt on my part because of my relationship with Lauren.”
Throughout Wyatt’s hospitalization, Lauren said Amy checked on him constantly, kept the nurses updated, and provided support to her and her husband, Jensen.
Lauren and Wyatt during his stay at Akron Children’s.
After a 2-week stay at Akron Children’s, Wyatt was discharged home into the very capable hands of his parents – Lauren’s husband also works in the health care field as a physician assistant.
Lauren said she wanted to share her story as a reminder of the incredible support system that exists at Akron Children’s.
“We all dedicate ourselves to the well-being of children, and sometimes, that care extends beyond the walls of this hospital and into our own families,” she said. “Thank you, Amy, for demonstrating the very best of what it means to be a caregiver.”
“It was an honor to take care of Wyatt and walk through this journey with Lauren and her family,” said Amy. “She sent me a video of Wyatt when he got home. It was so nice to see him as a happy, healthy toddler.”
Wyatt is thriving today as a toddler and mom, Lauren, is back to work at Akron Children’s.
