One of the most exciting times in the life of a new family is the much-anticipated birth of a newborn baby. The months spent by an expectant mother carrying, preparing, and planning and bonding are all encompassing. All the pre-natal experiences lead up to that precious day, when the baby is finally ready to announce their presence and come into the world. The experience for the expectant first-time mother is a mixture of excitement and anticipation mixed with apprehension about the unknown. What better way for a new mother to ease into this beautiful experience, than with a wonderfully attentive labor and delivery nurse whose care, skills and tranquil demeanor make the birthing process easier to brave. For my daughter, who was experiencing the birth of her first child - that nurse was Joseph Blake. 

My daughter S currently works as an ICU nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She had a relatively smooth pregnancy and was scheduled to be induced at LLUMC. She and her husband J had graciously invited me to be present during the birthing process, which I was delighted about. The much-anticipated day finally arrived, and S was admitted to the labor and delivery unit. It was a very exciting time. As one would expect new parents to be, S and J were excited, yet apprehensive about the unknowns of the birthing process. I remember first being in the birthing room with my daughter. She was quiet and I could tell very nervous and apprehensive. At that time, the labor and delivery nurse who was to guide and be with S through the shift entered the room. 

Nurse Joe introduced himself to S, J, and me. He had a quiet way about him yet expressed a warm countenance. He sat down on a chair close to the bed where S was lying and where J was seated next to her. Joe began to explain about the details of the labor and delivery experience. I could tell that he explained things in such a way that made my daughter visibly at ease. He was very personable, approachable, and warm, even exchanging the commonality that he and J had both served in different military branches. He explained about his experience as a nurse working in the labor and delivery department. Joe shared how much he enjoyed being a nurse and serving people. He encouraged my daughter to ask any questions or express any concerns. Joe took the time to answer all of our questions in detail. It was obvious to see how sincere he was and that he possessed a genuine concern and care for people. Joe took the time to go through and point out the different pieces of medical equipment in the room and what they were used for. He explained that some of the equipment would most likely not be used during/after the birth of the baby, but that it was there just in case the need arose. He made sure to explain in detail the nurses’ and doctors’ process of handling the baby and the needs of the baby once he was born. Joe also explained to S about the labor process and that if she felt pain or discomfort at any point, to please let him know so he could help her. 

During the entire induction process, Joe was so attentive and helpful, down to the smallest detail. He checked on S often and made sure she, as well as J and I were attended to. He made sure we all had water, snacks and even brought me coffee. He was very skilled in handling all of S’s medical needs and made sure she was comfortable and not experiencing excessive pain. He made sure that she remained calm and restful, even considering the circumstances. Joe was very intentional about helping S to feel relaxed and at ease through the induction process. The induction process took much longer than we had anticipated, lasting 24 hours in its entirety. As the time grew closer for the birth of the baby, the end of Joe’s shift was fast approaching. He continued to reassure and help my daughter through what was now a painful contraction process. About half an hour to the end of his shift, there was a Rapid Response call to the birthing room a few doors down from ours. Joe responded to that patient’s room to assist. He returned about 20 minutes later to resume helping S. I could see he had tears in his eyes. We learned later that the baby in the Rapid Response had passed away. Even though he had just experienced this tragedy with a baby passing away, he returned to S’s room and again began helping her with the delivery experience. 

He displayed so much professionalism, expressing how he loved working in labor and delivery, even though it was difficult at times. Joe informed us that his shift was ending for the evening, and he would be leaving soon. He introduced the next nurse taking over for him. Joe was such an attentive nurse that we felt a bit sad the baby was not born during his shift. He had definitely connected with us because of being so approachable, attentive and warm. We took a picture with Nurse Joe before he left so we could remember the experience and share it with my grandson someday. 

Later that evening, S gave birth to baby boy J, and he was perfect! My daughter, son-in-law, and me had a wonderful birthing experience at LLUMC. Though we realize the doctors, nurses, and staff are all great people - we believe the greatest contributor to the beautiful birthing experience at LLUMC was due in large part to the exceptional care, attention, and professionalism expressed to us by Nurse Joe.