Carla made a special connection with me when she helped bring my baby boy into this world. She had such an impact on me that I told my husband that I wanted to become an OB nurse. Her dedication to her work and the compassionate care she provided to me and my son are more than I can describe in words. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. From the first morning that she was my nurse, she was standing up for me and listening to my concerns. I felt pressure from the doctors to have a C-section. This was not at all what I wanted or felt was best for my baby. She said to me, "It's your body, Sarah. And I will continue to tell you that unless the baby is showing signs of stress. Then that becomes our concern." I will never forget those words that meant so much to me. It was powerful because it had two meanings. She was supporting me and at the same time looking out for what was best for my baby.
At one point, I questioned her turning up my Pitocin drip. It was causing the contractions to worsen and after two days of labor, I was scheduled for a c-section and extremely dissapointed. She calmly explained to me the importance and told me to stay positive. She was right! My labor finally started progressing. She did what she knew was clinically best and made me feel comfortable at the same time. It was because of her that I avoided a section and was able to deliver naturally. I asked for an epidural and Carla helped the anesthesiologist prepare and set up for the procedure. She had everything he needed out and ready when he got there. She also conveyed my concerns with my physician and had orders for nausea medication ready. This helped me to stay comfortable. She was always one step ahead and anticipating my needs and the needs of the other members of my healthcare team.
Carla had helped me get to the point of delivering and she worked very hard at it. Every hour she was repositioning me to help the baby move down. Again, Showing her excellent medical evaluation skills! She knew exactly what I needed to do. When it came time to push she was right there with me. At one point I remember thinking she was actually working harder than me, and I was the one in labor. She was literally sweating as she stretched and moved me around to make room for baby to come into this world. She went way above and beyond. Carla worked a 12 hour shift but stayed late to deliver my baby. It's hard to explain how wonderful that was. It made me feel like she really cared about me personally. She had also done the same thing the day before for a different patient. Her actions demonstrate the compassionate care that every patient deserves but only the best nurses can provide.
I admit I was nervous to deliver at such a small hospital in case something bad happened. But with Carla as my nurse, I felt safe and secure. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field and has all the character qualities that make a good nurse. The mission and values hold true with every interaction she has with her patients. As a patient you want to feel like you are important and Carla makes that happen. All of these examples are reasons that I feel Carla Heightland deserves this award. Her clinical skills and compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that should be recognized as an outstanding role model. She truly is an extraordinary nurse!