I wanted to take a moment to recognize an outstanding nurse in Labor & Delivery- Kim Gerdes. I came in RWJUH Somerset to deliver my baby. Kim was my nurse in L&D. I had a planned c-section, and my biggest concern going into this delivery was postoperative pain management because of multiple allergies and a pretty terrible experience with pain after my last c-section.

From the moment I met Kim, I felt reassured that she heard me, would advocate for me, and would take care of me. I was scared, but she helped to alleviate that. Sure enough, in recovery after my c-section I was in excruciating pain- I could barely speak because the pain was so awful at first. Kim never left my side- she called the anesthesiologist and discussed options, medicated me, and equally as important to me- she comforted me (so much!). When the first few attempts to control my pain didn't work, she was relentless in advocating for me and finding adequate pain relief for me. I truly don't know what I would have done without her during that experience. It felt like she was my saving grace from all that pain and the fear that came with it- not simply because she gave me medication but because she demonstrated such care, empathy, compassion, and commitment to helping me at my most vulnerable.

I hugged her when she said goodbye to me after bringing me to the postpartum unit, and I don't think I will ever forget her or how much better and safer she made me feel when I really needed it most. Thank you, Kim! Please accept this as a DAISY nomination, I cannot think of a more deserving nurse. As far as I'm concerned, she exemplified what DAISY Nurses- and any nurse, really- should aspire to be in this line of work.