Need Help and Encouragement

[Kelly Story]

I am very new to NILMDTS. I recently contacted our local hospital about our organization. I was shuffled from the head nurse in obstetrics to marketing and back to OB.

The lady quickly told me that the hospital had a photographer who did the new baby pictures. I told her that I realized that, and that I was in no way trying to take that away from her. I once again explained NILMDTS to her and she still said that she thought that the photographer would do this. I immediately asked would she do it for no charge, at all and could she offer a DVD with the images set to music. She stammered and tried to get around that subject and move to something else. I even offered the suggestion of having the photographer join NILMDTS.

My sister, who is a nurse on this unit, had already mentioned NILMDTS to her, and several of the nurses. All of the other nurses think that it is a wonderful thing and that it would be a wonderful service for the hospital to offer. She has had them to view Maddux's video and they immediately fell in love with the him, and the services that we offer.

I just need to know what my next step should be. Should I also contact the OB/GYN doctors, other people in the hospital, or just do our press release and hope for the best? I really want to have this in our 'home-town' hospital and don't know what to do next. They are growing and trying hard to reach out to the community. I thought that they would definitely want this. Did I do something wrong? Did I talk to the wrong person?

I would appreciate any help and encouragement.

Thanks,
Kelly Story

[Tammy]

Kelly~
I worked at our local hospital for over ten years. From my past experience, things move when the appropriate people are informed.

A friend of mine hand delivered brochures to the OB docotrs at our local hospital. This makes the doctors aware of the organization and the services you can provide as a professional photographer to parents experiencing a loss. Another idea would be to contact the Director of Nursing, Director of NICU (if your hospital has one) and the hospital Chaplin.

Maybe have your sister give you a name list of all the OB Doctors, the Director of Nursing, Director of the NICU and the Chaplin to contact. You could either mail the brochure and NILMDTS letter directly to them, (which would probably be easier) or contact them personally.


It is ultimately the parents' decision if they want these services provided, but the hospital needs to know they are available, so they can offer the service to them.

Don't give up~ you are doing the right thing. Hope this helps.

[Kirk Kief]

Have you tried going straight to the top? The Hospital Administrator? How are you at public speaking? Many Hospital Directors are Rotarians, and they hold meetings once a week. They are always looking for a speaker for their meetings. If you can get hooked up, I can help get you in touch with the local person, and give a short program you will have virtually all the top OBs and medical personnel as a captive audience. Plus, the Rotary is a service organization, they are always looking for a project to help their community. You let them know that the hospital has been a little hesitant to allow us in, and you will probably be amazed with how quickly the wheels will begin turning. Go to your local Discount store and pick up a portable DVD player to show the slideshow at the meeting. Then go to the administrator, give him a brochure and play one of the slideshows.

[Kelly Story]

Thanks so much for your ideas. I'll keep you updated. Is there a place and a way to get a DVD to share with groups and etc?
Thanks,
Kelly

[Kirk Kief]

Do you have software that will burn a DVD? Such as Ulead's Moviemaker, or something similar?

[Jennifer Turner]

Hi Kelly, this is exactly the situation that I ran into with Austin and it came down tfrom the top because that company has an exclusivity contract with the hospital and the hospital is not supposed to "endorse or recommend" any other photographic services, which is what the lawyers felt they would be doing by handing out and speaking with patients about NILMDTS services even though it was not a service they offered or wanted to offer. Eventually after actually sending the head of Perinatal Loss images i had done in their hospital they decided to take a chance and they will now hand out the brochures and when the contract for the photo company comes up for renewal, they will exclude this type of photography from the clause. Yea! But it does take talking tothe people higher up, the staff can only do what they are told because they can lose their jobs. Some hospitals with be VERY strict with the legal-eze which is what I encountered, and some with just do whats right...good luck and please let me know if I can help, I practically have a degree in "Managing Hospital Red Tape" :-)

[Tammy]

*LOL* and there is ALOT of hospital Red Tape to go through! *Yikes!*

[Jennifer Turner]

Well once you get them to hand out the brochures it gets going, thats the biggest thing. After that you are a guest of the family and all is fine, its just getting the information to everyone and thats what we're all working on :)

[Deb Stoner]

Hi Kelly, What worked best for me is going to the chaplain that works with perinatal loss. Let us know what happens

[Kelly Story]

Because I am so new to the group, I have not had the opportunity to shoot, yet. Is there a way or a source for obtaining a copy of a DVD to share? I do have the software for making a DVD but without the images, what do I do?
I really appreciate all of your help.
God Bless,
Kelly

[Kirk Kief]

Kelly,
I am going to see if I can place the files you would need to make a DVD of Maddux's slideshow, as well as, Tammy's little angel, Chase. Chase's show will take a little time, but, I may be able to get Maddux's files yet this afternoon. I'll do a tutorial on what to do with them, once I get them online.

[Kelly Story]

Thanks, Kirk. I'm doing my research about our local Rotary club. I'll keep you posted.
Kelly

[Kirk Kief]

Okay. The bottomline on my placing the files on the web for others to download and burn their own DVDs. Do-able but not feasible. You see, most of the files in a show are fairly small. However, the main file on Maddux's show is 186megs! So, this won't work. However, if you have a laptop computer, you can download the slideshow and play that. Maddux is reachable by clicking here (http://www.nowisleep.com/Slideshows/Maddux_Video_Two.wmv). This will automatically start playing, but, you should be able to save the file. Now, I do have another possibility in case you still need to have the DVD, however it involves another piece of software. But, good news, it's not real expensive. Stay tuned for further details. Film at 11.:cool:

[Kirk Kief]

Kelly,
Where is Albemarle State, NC? Is that the name of the city you are in, or is this a college? If it is actually Albemarle, then the contact phone number for the Rotary there is 704-982-8116. I don't have a name though. If you call them, tell them I referred you and that I'm a member of Palatka Rotary in Florida.

[Martin Comiskey]

Kirk,

Great idea! I have been experincing the same type of red tape here in NJ with one of our hospitals, even though I was referred to her by a colleage in another hospital. I am going there in person tomorrow and if that doesn't work I am going to find the local Rotary. How about the Chamber of Commerce? Do you think that would help as well?
Martin

[Tammy]

Here is a link from the NILMDTS website that is directed toward caregivers and medical staff. If you put a packet together for the hospitals, you could include a copy of this note from Cheryl also.
Caregivers (http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=96)

[Cheryl Haggard]

Ok guys, Most of you have found out that if your hospitals are unwilling, or already have a bereavement program set up, and they think what they are doing is sufficient...you need to get this information out to the parents! I am not telling you to go around the hospital, but in ALL cases where the hospital has been unwilling to let their parents know of the services NILMDTS provides, and a parent has personally called in an affiliated NILMDTS photographer, that hospital has had a sudden turnaround. I really think that once they personally see how we operate, and that we aren't out to 'solicit' a business, they have a very fast change of heart.
So get out your press releases to every possible media contact. This also includes dropping off a few brochures to your local ob/gyn's.
Good Luck
Cheryl

[Kelly Story]

It looks like this is a larger battle than I thought it was. I'm glad I have all of you out there to help out.

I'm going to contact the Rotary. Kirk, we do not have Albemarle College here but, we did had an American Idol contestant, Kellie Picker. Please don't hold that against me, though. The number that you gave me is actually for the Chamber of Commerce. They handle all calls for such organizations.

I got to accompany a photographer, Sherry Marshall, on a shoot yesterday. It was quite moving. My volunteer papers are in the mail as we speak so that I can be put on the list of photographers for that hospital. It's definitely not something you look forward to but, the rewards in the end are priceless. The family was most appreciative of the service. Sherry did an awesome job. She's a pro.

Thanks for the advice,
Kelly

[Martin Comiskey]

I am well aware of the battle with the hospitals. I have been going thru the same thing in NJ, But John Pacetti and I decided today we were going to just drive to them and walk in. We were able to get 2 large hospitals with NICU's to not only speak with them but we gave them the brochures and were told they were very happy to have this option for the parents. The only one we are still having trouble with allowed us to do the presentation but told us they bought their own camera and printer for doing the photos themselves. After the presentation John and I explained that even though it was great that they did this for the patients, we were more qualified as professional photographers to not only take the photos but do the retouching and slide shows for them. When we were ready to leave the woman asked if we were available 24/7? We assured her we would be. We left with the understanding that she would speak with the hospital admin and get back to us.
Martin:o

[Kirk Kief]

I feel this is very noble of you to let this hospital know that you are available 24/7. However, if there is anyway that this can be tailored down, I'd really consider it. If you have a strong network of photographers, this might be possible, however, even then, if you get very many calls at 3 or 4 in the morning, you may start to realize just how overbearing this can be. And, I'd hate to see you start to burn yourself, and the network, out. The staff at the hospital can be 24/7 because that is what they get paid for. We do this as a service to the families. If they do get back in touch, you might consider offering to them a schedule of you available times.
Just my humble opinion. I don't want to see anyone biting off more than you cna chew. Everyone here is too important. Your families are too important. Keep them in mind, and do this as an addition to them, not a replacement.
I think Cheryl and Sam can probably offer some great advice on just how much time, or what hours are best to set aside for this.

[Cheryl Haggard]

It is extremely noble of you, Martin. However, this is up to each and every individual photographer. Take each call, case by case. I think we all have to have our priorities, family, business then ministry. Here in Denver, we have never had a situation occur where the family choose NOT to do images because Sam, Erin, Chantel or Helen came too late in the evening. Now, I am not saying there will be occasions where the family will want you there right away. This has to be up to the photographer, and their schedule. This is why it is so important to have as many photographers available as possible. This way, no family will be left out.

I am constantly amazed at the generousity NILMDTS photographers offer.
This is such an incredible mix of people. Thank you...
Cheryl

uh, weren't you supposed to post something else???

[Jennifer Turner]

Hi Martin, I feel like you do, that I want to go as soon as needed and I have commtted to doing that whenever possible, especially if I have been speaking to them prior to the day because it makes them feel better that we are there to get anything we can as soon as we can. And of course it makes retouching a little easier. BUT, I would be very hesitant to tell the hospital that you are available 24/7. Better to under-estimate and over deliver as they say. It would be aweful to have the hospital tell the patient you will be right there and you are sick or in the middle of something you can't leave. I would tell them that if its urgent (baby is alive but not for long) you will make every effort to come immediately. Under "normal" circumstances you will be there as soon as possible. And I have to say that I htink we will end up with people that are willing to do just that and if you can with your business and family, thats great. But just really think it thru, you don't want this to end up being a negative stressor (I mean, negative when you are trying to do something good :) you know what I mean..wink) SO I hate to be repetative, but I agree with Cheryl & Kirk, you have to take care of yourself. And I totally understand, when I first got going I thought I'd just leave as soon as the call came in, but reality has hit home that I can't always do that. And of course, as many people helping you is always the answer. Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!

[Martin Comiskey]

I appreciate the fact that I could become burned out, however I have an advantage in that my wife and I are both photographers and that the hospital is in between John and ourselves. John is as committed to doing this as we are. We also have 2 people who do not want to sign up as yet ( I don't know why ) who said if we couldn't go they would. John and I also have alot of flexibility in our schedules.;) Martin