I’d like to start out by saying my whole life I have been healthy and have never been hospitalized. So, I can tell you that the anticipation of having to go into the hospital for an event where I had to allow others to care for me in ways that I couldn’t control made me super nervous. I went to St. Joseph’s North, a place I was all too familiar with but never as a patient, to deliver my first child. When we arrived in the ED, check-in was brief and efficient. We were greeted by Meggin, from L&D who took my husband and me to our room. 

Once we got to L&D, Meggin helped us get settled. Nurses, Kathleen and Jill, were changing shifts but started to thoroughly explain consents, the next steps, and how we would proceed with the delivery process. As the night went on things became more intense but bearable with the reassurance of Jill and the charge nurse. The next day, Kathleen was back. Both her and Christina were rockstars, helping to prepare us for our birthing experience. Christina and Kathleen explained everything step by step which helped to make me as comfortable as possible and remain calm during this lengthy process. Come time to deliver, Kathleen, Christina, Dawn, and Patrick made sure everything was in place and it was then that I knew it was about to get real!

Then there she was, a beautiful and healthy baby girl! Dr. Wahba and the staff worked together to coach me through this like a breeze! It was an experience we’ll never forget! I don’t want to leave out Dr. Kshatri, anesthesia, and the nurse practitioner who helped as well.

Once we made it to Mom/Baby, we met so many other staff members where our experience continued to be of great quality. Michelle and Sophia helped us to get settled once we arrived. Nurses Stephanie, Melee, Keisha, and Sam were so patient and helped to keep me comfortable amongst other things that come along with this process. They were great educators. They were all very encouraging and continuously willing to help. Jordan R and the Chaplin on day shift were very cool and made my husband feel welcome. If I left anyone out, I most certainly apologize.

The point of this is to highlight my experience from a patient’s perspective. Being a nurse myself, I knew I had to chill and be a patient. My entire experience was great from start to finish. I appreciate everyone who was involved in my care. I didn’t expect any less, in fact, the team at St. Joseph’s North exceeded my expectations! I’m not sure I can say enough about it all, but I wanted to make sure you all knew how great the team members on L&D and Mom/Baby were during our time at St. Joes North. 

We are home recovering well and although sleep deprived, we are enjoying every minute of being with our baby girl. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.