MHP nurses give handmade caps for kids

Tag : Handmade Cap

Published May 28, 2008 11:58 am - Rylee Davis, 7, poses in his new hat with his mom Kelly and MHPSurgical Nurse, Michele Manternach, R.N

MHP nurses give handmade caps for kids


The Oskaloosa Herald

OSKALOOSA —
Surgery can be a frightening experience for anyone, but for achild, the fear of surgery is often much worse. At Mahaska HealthPartnership, nurses are working to calm those fears through aprogram called “Sew Angelic.”
According to Surgery Nurse Becky Moore, R.N., B.S.N, who began theprogram at MHP, the purpose is to help children cope with theanxiety of having surgery. Every child is presented with a handmadekeepsake surgical cap of their choice. The hats, made with funfabrics ranging from construction equipment, princesses and sportsteams, look just like the surgical hats the nurses wear. Childrenwear the hat during surgery, keeping their head warm and putting asmile on their face.
Moore said she first learned of the Sew Angelic program by readingabout a similar program at a hospital in Florida. To start theprogram at MHP, she donated her own money and time sewing the firstbunch of hats.
“We used to use one size fits all hats, but they were oftentoo big for pediatric patients,” Moore explained. “Bymaking special hats that are smaller, they fit a lot better helpingto maintain body temperature.”
Recently, Rylee Davis, a 7-year- old from Eddyville, underwentsurgery to have his tonsils removed. Although this was notRylee’s first surgery at MHP, his parents say it was his mostenjoyable.
“Rylee was extremely nervous going to the hospital thatmorning,” Rylee’s dad, Adam reported. “When thenurses brought in the scrub hats and told him to choose hisfavorite, Rylee’s fear was forgotten. When he was lookingthrough them, he chose a camouflage hat first but then he spottedthe Hawkeye fabric and was very excited.
“After receiving his hat, he smiled for pictures and his mindwas not focused on his upcoming procedure,” Adam shared.“My wife and I both feel this is just another example of theexcellent care provided at MHP. A lot of time and energy goes intomaking those caps and it was greatly appreciated.”
Upon hearing of the program, Iowa Rural Surgical Associates offeredmoney to purchase a digital camera and printer so the nurses canprovide families with a photograph documenting the day. Inaddition, Wal Mart donated a gift card that was used to purchaseadditional fabric and supplies.
“We have received so much great feedback from the childrenand families who have received the caps, but our supply is startingto run low,” Moore explained. “The pattern is very easyto follow, and we would really appreciate having people from thecommunity volunteer to assist us in making more.”
If you are interested in donating fabric or volunteering your timeas a cutter or sewer to support the Sew Angelic program, pleasecontact Moore at (641) 672-3340 or email her atbmoore@mahaskahospital.com.


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