CFMH's Whitney Ashley, RN, Surgical Services, Calms the Fears of an Autistic Child

Submitted by Heather Hopkins, BSN, RN, CFMH Surgical Services Preceptor

We had an autistic child on "ENT Day" who was very nervous about the procedure. The child told Whitney that she liked her hat.  Whitney went to her locker and found a scrub hat and gave it to the child to keep.  The child was overjoyed! The child also loved music.  She asked what her favorite song was.  Whitney made sure the song was playing when the child was being put to sleep.  If you don't know Whitney, she is 4'11". When children see her they don't feel as scared because she gets on their level to communicate with them!