I have been meaning to write this for a while now...as my son turns a year-old next week. But better late than never. My delivery experience was probably pretty routine compared to what you all deal with on a day-to-day basis. I came to the hospital in labor Saturday night – got an epidural, started Pitocin Sunday morning, and started pushing Sunday afternoon. After 2 hours of pushing and not much progress, the OB brought up the need for either forceps or vacuum to help things along. I cried. I knew the risks associated with each and was sad and scared, but also wanted the baby delivered safely. The OB put the vacuum on my baby’s head. My friends in the NICU were called (I’m a NICU RN). As the team gathered, Ann said to me, his heart rate is fine, no decels, he seems to be tolerating labor just fine. If you want to keep pushing, you can; the OB hasn’t attached suction yet. I can ask him to take off the vacuum if you would like to keep trying. Through tears, I said I wanted to keep trying. Ann communicated my wishes to the OB and he removed the vacuum. 30 minutes later, I got to meet my son. He was born at 18:59, of course, RN patient = baby born at shift change! Ann was the epitome of a patient advocate. She spoke up for me. I am ever so grateful for her clinical skills, her very respectful communication to the OB, and her kindness every step of the way. I was already so proud to be a nurse and Ann helped validate how we touch peoples’ lives every day. Thank you so much, Ann!

Note: This is Ann's 3rd DAISY Award!