I’m writing to recognize the exceptional support Nurse Alyssa provided during a recent unplanned C-section case I covered while on the Obstetrics team, covering an unplanned provider absence. Because anesthesia physicians rotate to OB only intermittently, we can feel a bit out of step when the call phone rings for an urgent case. In this instance, Alyssa was the primary nurse for a single patient whose labor suddenly required surgical delivery. From the moment the decision for C-section was made, she anticipated every need.

Rapid orientation, Alyssa walked me straight to supplies and medication drawers, sparing precious minutes otherwise spent searching. Clear, calm updates, she kept both the patient and the care team informed, relaying fetal-monitor changes and surgical timing in real time. Seamless coordination, while prepping the patient, Alyssa clarified preferences with the OR team, confirmed antibiotic administration, and ensured consent forms were in order, allowing me to focus solely on optimizing maternal hemodynamics. Relentless patient advocacy, even under time pressure, she maintained eye contact with our patient, explained each step, and never lost sight of the mother’s comfort and dignity.

In an atmosphere where cross-department feedback often highlights what went wrong, I want to celebrate what went remarkably right. Alyssa turned a potentially chaotic moment into a model of patient-centered teamwork, and her actions directly contributed to a smooth induction, an efficient surgery, and a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. Thank you, Alyssa, for your outstanding skill, poise, and leadership. She embodies the culture of excellence we aspire to at Avista every day.