Resiliency has many definitions. The overarching theme of these definitions includes the ability to persevere through hardships. Nursing is a unique profession in how we are regularly being tested in our ability to be resilient, for our patients, but also for ourselves. I had a glimpse into Brooke's resiliency and her grace as both a person and as a nurse.

Brooke's day began in the antepartum hallway of the Women & Babies Center. She was tasked with monitoring the baby of a woman carrying her first baby. Being a long-time antepartum on our unit typically indicates a complicated pregnancy, and this one was no exception. The baby did not look great on the monitor. I was in the operating room helping to prepare for the first scheduled cesarean section of the morning when I noticed it had been a decent amount of time since the baby in the antepartum room had been consistently on the monitor so I decided to go to the bedside to see how I could help.

As I rounded the corner to the antepartum hallway, Brooke rounded the corner of the patient room with the patient's bed and looked at me to express that a STAT cesarean section is being called, all hands on deck. The patient looked to be in distress, a combination of physical and mental stimuli. We moved to the operating room, and the team moved seamlessly. As each minute passed waiting for the baby to be born, everyone in the room was increasingly nervous. Brooke continued to provide exceptional care and kept the whole team on the same page. I could read in her eyes that her emotions were heightened, yet she remained stable exhibiting grace under pressure. The baby had been delivered, and the neonatal intensive care unit began aggressively working to stimulate the baby boy.

After all efforts were trialed, the time of death for the baby was declared. This moment was hard for everyone in the room, with a special focus on Brooke. Her compassion for her patients was most clearly demonstrated at this moment. She took a moment to herself to recognize the tremendous tragedy, then she resumed her care. After the maternal surgery was complete, it was time for the patient to wake up, not knowing the fate of her baby at this time.

Brooke held her hand as she arose. The patient was groggy from the general anesthesia and she was moved to the recovery room and reunited with her partner and family, all of whom already had knowledge of the outcome from the neonatal intensive care unit. Brooke continued to hold the patient's hand as she learned how her baby was lost. The patient let out a deep cry for help and comfort into the room, Brooke answered with a hand squeeze and her presence. The patient looked to Brooke for comfort. The room stood still for an immeasurable amount of time. It was an honor to witness this intimate moment and speaks to Brooke's character as both a nurse and an individual.

Brooke continued to arrange decedent care and addressed all of the patient's and family's wishes. She was a resource to them as they navigated the unimaginable. She never shied away from the difficult, uncomfortable conversations. For as terrible an experience as this encounter will always remain for this patient and her family, they will likely remember the care and compassion they received during this hardship from Brooke. Nurses are resilient. Brooke is resilient. It is the beauty of our profession to be present for people as they experience some of the best days of their life and their worst days. All of these experiences are felt by the nurse.

I believe it is important to recognize Brooke for her dedication to her patients, compassionate care, and resiliency as she greets every patient with a smile. She truly has changed the lives of those she encounters.