I was transferred from the antepartum floorto labor and delivery to be induced with my first child. This was not in my plan, nor something that my husband and I had anticipated happening. Throughout over several days staying at Baptist Louisville leading up to this point, all the nurses had been wonderful. But then we met Noelle. We truly feel that God placed her as our nurse to take care of me throughout the situations that unfolded.
After being induced and breaking my water, my own body became distressed as well as our baby's. Noelle was calm and brought humor at just the right times. She explained to me what was going on and what everything meant. She reassured me and encouraged me. When the baby's heart rate declined too often or for too long she was right there to move to action. It was determined that I would need an immediate c-section. I was terrified. And at the same time Noelle was relieved from her shift early. I was so nervous to go into the c-section without her. She had already gotten me through some of the scariest hurdles I'd ever faced, and now she had to go.
But she didn't go! She stayed! She went to the OR with us! I didn't realize this right away. It was once the procedure had started and she popped around the blue paper curtain and said "hi!" that I immediately recognized her voice. She generously gave up time with her own family to help bring my son into this world. She captured the pictures for us that we will cherish forever. She went out and reassured our nervous families that both mother and baby we're doing well. She went above and beyond.
Her compassion, humor, and relaxed manner kept me calm (or as calm as possible) throughout the day and into the c-section.I've told everyone about our experience withNoelle and they are just shocked. It brings me to tears to think about her sacrificing her personal time with her own young family to watch our son come into this world and be there capturing the moment for us with photos!
I didn't know what being a nurse entailed, even with my own mom being a newborn nursery nurse, until I spent those days at Baptist. Her job is truly challenging and she may or may not realize the impact that she has on her patients and their families. I am completely humbled and grateful for her and the awesome nurse that she is! She deserves this recognition!