But one nurse from Indiana named Katrina Mullen went the extra mile to help a patient at her hospital.
Mullen has worked as a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse for over 20 years.
Over time, she has seen several new moms from all walks of life.
Something shifted after I told her that I was a teen mom, Mullen toldToday.
Thats when we really developed trust.
I said, If you need anything, you just call me.
If you gotta talk, or you have a question, Im here, Mullen recalls.
The teen took up the offer, and reached out to the nurse when she felt overwhelmed.
I was becoming increasingly concerned about her support system, the nurse admits.
I couldn’t figure out why she was calling me so often.
The caseworker said that Shariya and her babies were being removed from their home, Mullen says.
And then she goes, Shariya said shed like to come live with you.
Would you be willing?
Mullen took the situation into consideration and agreed.
Mullen adds, I knew it would be hard, but we’d figure it out.
All the while, Small went back to alternative high school, where she graduated with an A- average.
Now 17, she is touring nearby colleges and hopes to become a social worker.
She just amazes me every day, the nurse says of Smalls.
When shes frustrated with the babies, she never raises her voice.
Shes just blossoming into this incredible woman.
Ill watch them if she wants to go hang out with her friends and stuff that teenagers do.
But Im just her backup.
After fostering Small and her triplets for 668 days, she officially adopted the teenager last February.
Im so proud to be Shariyas mom, Mullen said.
Has it been easy?
She pushes limits just like any other teenager, but I love her.
I’m her momand I’m never going anywhere.
The campaign has already surpassed its original target of $20,000.
Concerned for her wellbeing, she offered her some help.
