Audrey took over as my night nurse right as I got admitted into Labor and Delivery during shift change. As a first-time mom not knowing what to expect or how to process the concerning news and events that were moving way too quickly, all I could feel was uncontrollable anxiety on top of the lack of sleep from laboring in immense pain for a few days.

From the moment Audrey clocked in and became my nurse, she wholly committed to my mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being from beginning to end. My biggest problem coming in was my severe contractions and delayed progression with labor. Then, my worries began to cascade when I found out our baby's heart rate dropped significantly during my contractions. When the resident OB probed more into the problem, more concerning news of "Oligohydramnios" complicated my worries and fears for our baby. I hadn't eaten all day due to the severity of my contractions, and the stress of one bad news after another aggravated my abdominal pain, which became far worse than my contractions. Though the doctors and anesthesia were in a rush to get an epidural and Pitocin started on me, Audrey took a second to PAUSE and listen to what I REALLY needed at this time. PROTONIX and just a LITTLE more time to get some crackers and applesauce in me before they kept me NPO for the epidural and the delivery of my baby.

During the epidural, the doctors made it clear I NEEDED to stay still. I did NOT know how I was going to stay still and deemed this task impossible. Audrey, however, was an amazing coach through my contractions and let me squeeze her hand as hard as I needed to help me get through the pain from the epidural and contractions during this procedure. She threw in positive affirmations that helped become my focal point throughout the night.

After a few hours went by, my cervix still wouldn't dilate so the doctor ordered a medication to help with this problem. Throughout the night, Audrey kept close tabs on the dose I was receiving and used her expertise and nursing judgment to advocate for the appropriate dose. Then the doctors would come in with more concerning news and ordered more interventions to be done. Things were out of my control, I began to shiver and shake uncontrollably, and though the epidural made me comfortable, I was still awake and drowning in fear and worry. Audrey intervened with compassion and a sense of calm during my storm with the way she explained the situation and reassured me. Though I was afraid to go to sleep, the rapport that I built with Audrey as the hours went by allowed me to get some rest, knowing the life of my baby and I were being guarded by her commitment to do what was in our best interest. I felt safe and protected even in the most uncertain and uncontrolled times because of Audrey's demonstrated professionalism, compassion, calm, and sense of hope.

Although my first labor and delivery experience kept my husband and me on edge and was quite traumatic, it was ALSO one of the MOST enlightening and positive moments of my life because of the care that Audrey provided for us. She was very calm, and the sense of reason and trust I NEEDED, in a room filled with high anxiety, fear, and concern. Her expertise in this field allowed baby and I to have a safe, controlled, and calm delivery. She knew how to prioritize multiple, overwhelming, and timely orders with great poise and authority. She is a professional. I am grateful for the work that Audrey put in for the full 12 hours she had me as her patient. She truly resembled a guardian angel protecting us and keeping our family safe. On a day when all I could feel was immense pain, anxiety, and frustration, Audrey's words and actions provided me with a sense of control, security, and HOPE!