Laura Corbitt

As a nurse, we wear many hats.  One week ago today, I wore a hat I thought I would never have to wear.  My great niece was a 38 week stillborn.  We were fortunate to have Laura Corbitt, OB float pool as the nurse present when the baby was delivered.  While I am a certified perinatal grief counselor, this role had never been so personal. 

Laura was kind, compassionate, caring, professional and non judgmental. She related well to the 19 y/o parents and the assorted family members. Laura did not treat me as a nurse but rather as a grieving aunt.  I have been in many stillbirth deliveries as an L&D nurse.  There is an eerie silence in the room. Somehow, Laura’s pleasant voice and mannerisms seems to make the silence not as loud.  Her interpersonal skills were impeccable. 

Laura was able to utilize her assessment skills during the labor to ease my niece’s physical and psychological pain. She also attended to my nephew in the same manner. Often the dad is left out in these situations because the focus is on the mother. Laura was attentive to my nephew as well. She coordinated care with the CNM as well as the other L&D staff when it came time for the delivery.

Laura provided privacy for the delivering couple, but was also creative and allowed the family to be present (at the couple’s request) in the little room reserved for equipment.  She was alert that the couple was scared of the baby. Laura allowed the grandmother and me to bathe and diaper the baby. Once the couple saw that it was alright to hold her, then Laura gently encouraged them to hold her.

Laura was also instrumental in getting the chaplain for a blessing ceremony at 0230. Not only did she facilitate this, she also participated, held hands with the family and shared in our grief.  Her empathy made the whole experience bearable.

Laura also took a series of photos of the baby. They are precious. She was able to capture her little spirit in these photos.  Laura treated her with reverence and respect.  She empowered my nephew to dress her in a beautiful hand crocheted outfit provided by the volunteers.

Laura embodies the spirit of the Good Samaritan and practices service excellence standards in her care with  patients and family.  I have been privileged to have known Laura from her role transition days in L&D.  She was a vivacious student, eager to learn and always with a ready smile.  Almost 20 years later, she still is an eager learner and still has that reassuring smile.  Currently, I am the educator for L&D. I utilize Laura as a preceptor for new staff. She is an excellent teacher and role model.

Please consider Laura for The DAISY Award.  She exemplifies the type of nurse The DAISY Foundation seeks to honor.