NURSE OF THE YEAR AWARD:

This award is given to a very deserving nurse.  The care given to the mothers and families after the loss of a baby from bereavement nurses is extraordinary.  Many times a lifetime bond is formed as they work with these families during this tragic & intimate experience. We see this happen over and over again. They guide families to create a lifetime of memories within a very short window of time with unconditional time and love. The presence and care given to these parents as they begin their lifelong healing journey is passionately profound.

Nancy Owen, RN, BSN, CLC

Nancy is a Registered nurse and Maternity Clinical Educator at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.  Nancy has been very instrumental in raising awareness & is extremely compassionate to all her patient’s especially those who have lost their baby, one colleague states.  "Nancy is a Team player filled with the biggest compassionate heart, She goes above and beyond for all her patients and holds a special place in her heart for the tiniest of angels."

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Thank you for this honor from the Western New York Perinatal
Bereavement Network. I am deeply touched and humbled.  But I am even more humbled when I am with families at any point during this agonizing time of loss.

Grief with the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death can be shocking, shattering, and unbearable. Supporting families in whatever way possible, whether it is at Millard Fillmore
Suburban Hospital or at a later time with a subsequent pregnancy means so much to me. It helps me to learn and grow through awareness and reflection.

It is both heart wrenching and inspiring to be part of a family’s journey through the unthinkable as they move toward healing and remembrance with courage and strength.

I would like to thank Christine Scott for the Perinatal Bereavement Conferences and staff trainings that she has organized and held.
Christine has modeled and taught our staff the importance of understanding communication during trauma and memory making.

Thank you to the families that have allowed me to be with them in some way at such a personal time in their lives. They remain in a lasting place not only in my heart but the hearts of our staff as we remember them and their babies. ~ Nancy Owen