Service Star-Take 2 (3/31/09)

I needed to go back in and make some changes to this. :)

There are many days that I'm at work and I wonder if I'm really making a difference. We have 57 beds in my particular unit and I work in our acute NICU-this is where all the babies are admitted after they've been born and problems have been recognized. I'm having to deal with the parents of the sickest, most critical babies. Obviously when they first get there, they are in shock (because I know I was). Some are willing to talk and want to talk right away, others are not. Another obstacle is the fact that I'm only there part time-20 hours a week. I'm responsible for more than just talking to the parents at the bedside so I run into not being able to meet everyone that's there and I wonder, am I not meeting someone that may really need my help? Moving on. The hospital has this service star program-it gives a chance for parents, patients and other employees to say "good job". You get a star pin after 5 service star notices. So, over the course of the almost 2 years that I've been at the hospital, I've received 4 service star forms, all from other employees. While I appreciate the fact that the staff is recognizing the importance of a parent advisor and while I've received many notes of thanks from parents and stay in touch with quite a few, I've never received a service star form from a parent. I know, I know, it's really not a big deal and the notes of thanks should be enough and they are. I keep every one I get and treasure it. I don't want to come across like I need constant praise or attention but I see other staff with lots of pins and I think I want one too! Last week I came to work and there on my desk was a star pin attached to the service star form from a lovely couple who had spent 5 months in the unit. The things they said touched me greatly. It helped once again realize that I don't need to worry about meeting everyone and feeling as though I've helped everyone. If I've helped one family, then I've made a difference.

Did I make a difference in someone's life when working in employee benefits? I doubt it. :)