On my second day in the hospital, I met Joyce. She was there the day I learned I’d be staying until I gave birth, a tough reality for me to process. I had two small children at home, and the thought of being away from them was heartbreaking. My husband was with me on the first day but had to return home to be with our kids. We had traveled a long way to have our baby at this hospital, so seeing my family every day was nearly impossible. But I was never alone. I had Joyce and the incredible nurses from 3200.

Joyce wasn’t just my caregiver; she became my tutor, teaching me about what was happening with my body, explaining medications, and, perhaps most importantly, bringing joy and laughter into my room. Navigating preeclampsia is a rollercoaster with constant ups and downs. Some days, my daughter’s heart rate would look concerning on the monitor, but then appear perfect on an ultrasound. On one occasion, Joyce held my baby in place on the monitor for nearly 40 minutes, cramping hands and all, never once complaining. Another day, I was having heart pains, and they wanted to move me to labor and delivery and give me magnesium. I was so emotional that I completely shut down. I’m not someone who likes to cry, but when I hold back my emotions, I become cold. Joyce was there, calmly explaining everything to me and even putting up with my short tone and temper.

By the time my husband arrived, my results showed there was no need for labor and delivery. When he walked in, I broke down, relieved, anxious, and so afraid. I also felt terrible for being so cold to Joyce. We talked for a moment, and as he went to get me some water, Joyce walked in. I braced myself for her to be distant or perhaps a little less warm, but she walked in with a smile, full of her usual kindness. I broke down in tears again, overwhelmed by how understanding she was. She comforted me as I apologized for how I had acted, reassuring me that she understood I was scared and that I had nothing to apologize for. She never judged me; she never stopped caring, educating, and providing. Joyce was the closest thing I had to family while I was away from mine.

On the day I gave birth, I was so thankful she was there, with my husband by my side. Thanks to her exceptional care, I survived 32 days away from my family and rarely felt lonely or afraid. A true healthcare professional doesn’t just heal the body, they heal the soul, uplift the spirit, and deeply care for their patients. That’s Joyce. She’s outstanding at what she does, always going above and beyond to care for those entrusted to her.

Thank you, Joyce, for standing by me through both my good times and bad. I’m also deeply grateful to the incredible team at 3200. I truly couldn’t have had my baby anywhere else. The drive was worth it. St. Barnabas has always been known for its amazing staff, and I’m so thankful for these wonderful women who cared for me during my stay.