We came in for an elective induction as first-time parents, equal parts excited and terrified. After a night of struggle, Dana came in the next morning and during her shift, she guided us, educated us, and advocated for us. She provided the first exam I ever had without pain because of the care she took and the conversation we had beforehand. In fact, she was a constant champion for my pain management, and made it very clear from the start that I was her priority. It made me feel safe and empowered with her in my corner.

She talked me through the scary process of the epidural, seemingly understanding where I was emotionally the entire time and catering to those emotions. When I felt weak or defeated, she made sure to give me encouragement and compliments to keep my spirits up. Even more than that, Dana came in not once, but twice, off her shift to check in on me and the progress during our super long labor process. She never abandoned me once I became her patient, and seeing her familiar face brought me more comfort than she probably knew.

When I needed direct guidance and for someone to help me make a decision, off-shift Dana provided me with informed options and validated me in each option to ensure that I felt comfortable and confident in the decision. Dana was a nurse to me through this entire experience, but more than that, she was a voice of reason, a friend, and a constant comfort in one of the hardest experiences of my life.

An induction that we had such high hopes for ended in a c-section, something we later discovered was necessary and not just a choice. While it would be easy to let in the voices saying that we gave up too soon or should've done something differently, we have Dana's voice strongly drowning out the rest about how we made the right call. She was the clear-cut conversation I needed before taking that step, and one of the reasons we now have a beautiful baby girl, and I'm recovering after surgery with one of the best c-section doctors in the world.

At such a vulnerable and challenging time, Dana was my champion. I truly believe she saved me and my baby. You never forget the people who helped you during your hard times. I will never forget what Dana did for my family. Nurses never get enough credit for all they do and how important they are, which is why I wanted to make sure I nominated Dana for this award. She is a hero. Her experience, her knowledge, and her compassion are unmatched. I would trust her with my life and my baby's life time and time again. I am eternally grateful.