The ultrasound room at Pregnancy Resources can be a sacred space – where life in its earliest days can be seen. As a staff nurse, I sometimes have the opportunity to introduce a mother to her child and create the possibility for a life- affirming choice to happen. But the ultrasound room can also be a space where there is fear, heartache, and sorrow. Sometimes when a Pregnancy Resources nurse provides an ultrasound, we don’t always see what we would expect to see. This can bring anxiety and sadness to our patients. During these times, our goal is to utilize our thorough ultrasound training and provide both competent and compassionate care.
Recently a patient came to the office for a pregnancy test and ultrasound. Her scan did not reveal what we would expect to see and there was an additional area of concern that our physician needed to assess. In this moment of urgency, there was a timely physician response, extensive training, and solid policies in place that allowed me to assist her. She was given information regarding her important next steps in a truthful and compassionate way and she was then able to receive important follow-up medical care by her personal OB.
This was the first of many hard days for her. Thankfully, she gave permission for a nurse to follow up with her. In the following weeks the staff was able to provide spiritual and emotional support through prayer, resources, and a sympathy card. It is an honor to be invited into this space, and to be able to provide holistic care to women who have experienced perinatal loss or the loss of their baby through abortion. In a world that can feel painful, chaotic and uncertain, we are a place that provides unconditional love, safety and peace. If you have recently lost a child through miscarriage or abortion, we are here for you. Please call 309-797-3636 or send an email to info@qcpregnancy.org.
~ Nurse Christine Kelley
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