At 34 weeks and 2d I had my regularly scheduled midwife appointment in the clinic, where I displayed warning signs of preeclampsia. My midwife sent me straight to triage, where I met Rachel for the first time. I was 20 years old, alone, and up until this point, having a perfectly healthy first-time pregnancy, but now I was terrified. As soon as Rachel greeted me in the triage waiting room, my anxiety started to fade. She explained to me in simplified detail what she was going to have me do to prepare for lab testing and how she would be with me every step of the way. I was shaking, I was so nervous, but I put on a brave face, and Rachel could see that- she didn't pry at me or overconverse, she just acknowledged me and made me feel a little less alone while we waited for results together.

When lab results came in, the on-call midwife joined us to diagnose and discuss my plan of care. Rachel stayed by my side and held my hand when no one else did. I was told I had preeclampsia with severe features and was beginning to show signs of kidney failure. Rachel just held me and told me how strong I was and that I should be proud of my body for fighting so hard to keep my baby and me safe. I was discharged that day, but returned the following evening and was hospitalized for two days before another discharge. I thought I wouldn't be back until my scheduled induction at 37 weeks when I found myself extremely ill with fluid in my lungs and stronger signs of kidney failure on Monday morning. I returned to triage and was admitted and then induced.

I labored throughout the night with my family by my side, and on Tuesday morning, I was greeted by none other than Rachel Hietala. She gave me a hug and told me she chose me during report because she was thinking of me all weekend. It must have been fate because I have never had a nurse fight for me and my rights like Rachel did- when the CRNA said my epidural was "good enough" despite my screaming out in the most intense pain I have ever felt, she refused to let him leave until it was done properly and I was comfortable. When Joint Commission wanted to observe my delivery and report on my case, she honored my refusal and protected my right to privacy. When I needed my mother with me, she ran out of the room as quickly as she could to go and find her and didn't return without her. When I almost coded, she kept me conscious and talked me through pushing so I couldn't fall asleep. When I was being pressured to consent to a C-Section, she stood up to the attending physician for me and encouraged me to keep pushing. She reminded the OBGYN to allow my boyfriend to cut the umbilical cord when I couldn't speak. She taught me how to breastfeed when the lactation consultants were too busy to stop into my room. She asked for my consent before every touch, every glance, and every medication she had orders for. Rachel made me feel like so much more than just a room number on an assignment sheet. She made me feel loved, cared for, safe, and autonomous. As a nursing professional myself, I have never come across someone as passionate, dedicated, virtuous, or as unapologetically human as Rachel Hietala.

Rachel, you saved my life and my daughter's life, and I can never repay you for that. You have inspired me to pursue a career in obstetric nursing, and someday I hope to be half the nurse that you are. Fate brought me into triage that day, I am certain of it. Rachel will never be forgotten in our family, and I can only hope to have the pleasure of delivering alongside her again someday. Thank you, Rachel.