As obstetrics lead, Colquitt is where she belongs

MADISON – A certified neonatal nurse practitioner, Renee Colquitt serves as lead coordinator of obstetrics services at Madison Hospital. She believes she’s exactly where she belongs.

In 2003 as a nursing student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Colquitt started working as patient care aid at Huntsville Hospital. She later worked as a registered nurse in the surgical trauma intensive care unit. “In 2006 I had a daughter born premature and needed care in the regional intensive care unit at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. She required

respiratory support and help with feeding. It’s hard to explain… I just had a feeling, this is where I belong. Caring and nursing –everything I want to be a part of,” Colquitt said. In 2006 Colquitt accepted a job as RN in RNICU. Wanting to understand all aspects of infant physiology and diseases, she earned a master’s degree as neonatal nurse practitioner. At that time, Madison Hospital was under construction, and Colquitt and her RNICU neonatologist cared for babies in

Madison. After meeting with Madison Hospital staff, Colquitt accepted the position of

nursery coordinator in March 2012. “Shari Crowe and I were the only ones on our floor about three months, preparing for opening Labor & Delivery in June,” Colquitt said.

Functioning as nurse practitioner, Colquitt has a collaborating physician who verifies her orders and plans of care, satisfying Alabama State Board of Nursing. She also can complete central line placement, lumbar puncture and endotracheal intubation. While she does admit and prescribe drugs, Colquitt primarily has administrative duties in supervising unit nurses.“I’m involved in education, disciplinary needs, unit budget, staffing and quality improvement,” she said.

What does Colquitt call “a good day”? One in which their unit provides the best possible care to patients and families. Also, she realizes nurses need education and resources to give specialized care and a high standard of excellence to patients.

Colquitt always will remember one RNICU patient, born at 32 weeks gestation with gastroschesis (intestines outside of abdomen). Born in Decatur, the infant was transported to Huntsville for surgical repair. As admitting nurse, Colquitt intubated the infant for surgery. “I remember her

looking in my eyes with a sense of need; she was in pain and looked to me for help. I will never forget that plea.” After three months in RNICU, the infant passed away. “I created a bond with her and her family. I was caring for her when she took her last breath,” Colquitt said. “It’s terrible when babies never get to experience the life that was planned, but God has a reason for everything. He placed her in my life to remind me and solidify why I do what I do. I’ll never forget that.” In 2016 by mid-October, 644 infants had been born at Madison Hospital. In

September 2015, Madison Hospital started a Level II Nursery, a goal for Colquitt. Previously, a premature infant or one having minor respirat ory distress was separated from his or her mother to go to RNICU.“Having been separated from my daughter at delivery, I know how hard that can

be. Now, they can stay together. All it required was additional training for our nursery staff by myself and our neonatologist, along with some equipment. The hospital foundation was gracious enough to help purchase needed equipment,” Colquitt said. Colquitt devotes time to several hospital committees. She helps coordinate Women’s Health and Perinatal conferences. In a fun venture, she and four other employees entered a lip sync battle and won $10,000 for Madison Hospital. However, her favorite volunteering is with the Lifesaver Club, a component of

“the foundation. Employees donate monthly for equipment and education. As a steering committee member, I vote on spending and help with membership drives and the Lifesaver Club appreciation party,” she said. Her husband Josh works as an Alabama State Trooper for Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in Marshall County. Their 10-year-old daughter Sydnee is active in 4H, so “we spend time raising chickens and hope to add pigs to our little farm,” she said.