Grace was the charge nurse on a very busy shift. Three expected deliveries were anticipated within a short time frame. Grace, as always, raced to give care. The first delivery was that of a surrogate baby, who, upon delivery, was whisked away to LDRP 1. The baby was pink, crying and despite our usual practice of immediate skin to skin care with the babies and their mothers this baby entered the world without the loving kindness of his mother. Understandably, the birth mother did not wish to have contact with the baby. So, Grace took the baby into LDRP 1, dimmed the lights and talked softly to the baby while caring for him until his parents arrived from out of town. In observing Grace with the usual efficiency she demonstrates, I also noticed the extra grandmotherly care she gave to this infant who had nobody in that moment. Unnoticed by me, I heard her say softly to the baby, “It’ll be alright little man, your parents will be here soon, and they will hold you and love you.” It was after he warmed and was bathed that I observed her holding and loving on the baby.

After giving over the care of this baby, Grace went about her “job” and raced around to help two more babies enter the world. The impact she has on life on a daily basis is often overlooked, but is noticed by myself and all her co-workers. Grace is the rock that holds night shift in control and her expertise is invaluable.