Sylvia T. Parrett RN, MSW

Sylvia T. Parrett RN, MSW, is the Clinical Manager at Acacio Fertility Center in Laguna Niguel, California.  She received her BSN and BSW from St. Benedict’s College in St. Joseph Minnesota and her MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago campus.  She been a nurse for 33 years, and has specialized in infertility for 20 years. Parrett was honored by RESOLVE with the 2010 Hope Award for Nursing.

Sylvia’s philosophy in providing care to infertility patients:

“It is all about Hope. I tell my patients every time we take a new step in the journey, today we have Hope. When they are feeling down and as if they will not make it, I find the Hope. It is their journey. It is my privilege and pleasure to be part of it.

“For me, I believe we must meet a fertility patient where they are in the process of building their family. I believe you must ask and honor their concerns; answer questions, provide information and be willing to assist them as needed. I refer patients for counseling when they are hurting. I encourage them to grieve all of the things that they lose along the road of infertility treatment and to rejoice and embrace all that they accomplish. No doubt about it.  Infertility hurts. It is lonely and unless you have been through it no one really knows the black hole that you can sink into at any time during the process.

“I started my own personal journey of infertility treatment in 1987. In 1991 I transitioned from Hospice Nursing to Infertility Nursing (Death to Life); vowing to myself to never allow a patient to cry alone in an exam room. My philosophy is to be there with a helping, supportive hand  when a patient is ready to emerge and try again as they weigh their options; be it another cycle, moving on to more aggressive treatments, Third Party Parenting, Adoption or redefining their family.

“I welcome questions, encourage patients to embrace their care and be part of the process. We provide written and verbal instructions. I am available 24 hours a day to answer questions so the journey is not so daunting. Remembering always that there is a patient and their partner who deserve my understanding of their fears, hopes and dreams. They have entrusted me with their care and my responsibility is to respect their trust and to give them the best care I can and always be available to help them find the Hope.”

What others say about Sylvia:

A note from a patient:  “Hi Sylvia, -- Just wanted you to know that you are such a patient and calm person to work with, and you made the ‘long haul’ seem shorter! Stan and I are so excited!  Thank you so much for you guidance.”

Another patient commented:  “Sylvia is one of the warmest people I have ever met. From the first time I met her she calmed my fears with her warm voice and kind words, she provided necessary information in a way that was easy to understand and she has been available day and night to answer any questions and to alleviate any fears.  She has a wonderful team of nurses that work with her which speaks to her leadership.  Sylvia brought hope to me every step of the way and I so appreciate her for her help

Sylvia’s daughter, eight years old at the time, when talking about having fun with her mother:  “Mom you get to take care of your patients -- that is your fun!”