This RN in Labor & Delivery was an incredible mentor, well-informed, and kindhearted person during this first-ever stay at St. Joseph's Women's Hospital. I arrived at 36 weeks pregnant. We were transferred over to L & D quite fast where I met her. I have to say the first thing I loved was when she took over the shift for the previous nurse she was the ONLY nurse to "really" introduce herself to me and she also took the time to "write" her name and everyone else helping out at that time on my room board! She explained to me her position, some of the items around me, and when I had a concern about COVID-19 protocol she was very informative. Even when the information I was hearing wasn't what I wanted to hear she was giving me the information in a very loving and understanding manner that allowed me to let that information settle in and understand it with an open mind. I also felt so thankful that as one of Jehovah's witnesses my wish to abstain from blood was listened to and respected. She took the time to explain to me what I was signing to make sure all the staff understood my point, and nobody left confused. I loved how she said it "it's nice to have an open conversation about this while we are all in a calm setting and not in an emergency event. I have had really bad experiences with staff in the past because of my religious beliefs and for the first time ever I felt like no one was telling me the 1 thing they always say "So you just prefer to die? I did not feel judged but respected and confident that all staff and doctors would take my wishes into account. She made sure I had time to speak with the doctor before labor really kicked in so we were all on the same page and could ask questions and make sure everything was well understood. Thank you for that. I will forever appreciate it.
She was with me the whole way through, I recall she was even being told to go get something to eat like take her lunch and she told me "they're telling me to go get something to eat, but sometimes you just get too attached"! Just remembering that phrase makes me want to tear up as I write this! It made me feel "like I mattered"! I wasn't just another mommy to be, it was like saying "you're family" and I'll be here no matter what happens"! She was so wonderful to me during my stay.
When labor really spiked up she assisted me with the epidurals, which I've always been a big baby about but she held me and spoke calmly and was so sweet how she helped me to put my trust in the person who was to give me the meds. She told me "Oh he is one of the best of the best, he knows what he is doing. And she was right, he sure did. It didn't hurt like in the past with our first child. Once labor really picked up and I was sort of in my head at this point, closing my eyes, and really all I could do was hear people's voices, I have to say she was pretty much always present. I could hear her coaching me by telling me to breathe and stay calm. I learned a new trick from her that really helped during the really tough part of labor, I started to shiver really bad and I needed a catheter at one point because of the epidural and I just couldn't get my body to stop shaking and was petrified at the idea of getting a catheter in because even though the epidural put my legs, thighs, lower back pain, and side pain to sleep "THANK GOD", however, I could still feel pain in the vaginal/rectal area so I was scared all my shakes were going to make the catheter insertion worse. So I recall her telling me, look up and she stuck her tongue out to me! At first, my immediate reaction was..."what is she doing"? And then she said while her tongue was out..."it's harder to shake when your stick your tongue out". So, I did. And my God, it worked! So I spent most of the painful contractions and shakes with my tongue out and I was laughing on the inside in my head just thinking "I must look so hilarious right now, but it was working"! This was our third baby delivery and I never knew that trick! Man, she is good.
Well, what came next was priceless. After being put on my side, in two contractions baby finally dropped down and I felt the urge to bear down. So we got into position and in the next 4 painful pushes baby was here and during all that discomfort I could hear her voice coaching me through and reassuring me about everything. It was her idea to ask if I wanted to cut the baby cord which I felt the highest honor. My poor husband can't look at blood or else he will pass out so with our previous children it was either my dad or mom who did it but for this delivery with COVID-19 only 1 person could stay with me and daddy well poor thing was there almost hiding in the head part of my bed but was a real trooper but what she said gave me one of the most memorable moments that I will never forget. Well to make a long story short, after having baby and having skin-to-skin shortly after nursing he started developing some breathing/acid issues so the staff at NICU had to take him. She was still with me as I recovered in that room. I'm sorry I almost passed out on you. I insisted I try to use the restroom after the epidural wore off because I didn't want to get cath'd again. Got up with her help and shortly after trying to use the restroom while I thought I was feeling well; she saw all the warning signs of a possible "lightheaded person" and took immediate action! I have to say I felt safe with her even when I didn't feel like I was going to pass out she saw all the signs I couldn't and prevented a scare. Called the nurses and got me back to bed safely.
She impacted me so much that once I got into my postpartum recovery area, I actually missed her presence so much. May God bless you so much and your little ones and the new baby you guys adopted. That just says what an incredible person she is. Thank you for making me feel like part of the family and caring so much about me and my baby and my delicate husband's needs ha-ha. You made a huge difference while I was in your care and your loving kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything you did. And yes, maybe we will see each other again at the office. Remember Take Care and God Bless!
Note: This is Amanda's 2nd DAISY Award!