Carol Afford, BSN, RNC-OB

I’m sure most people have a story about a nurse. There’s something about the job and the people that embodies goodness, kindness, care, and selflessness. That’s the nature of the job in many ways. These are special people. Even so, our experience with Carol was otherworldly. We said it the day our son was born that Carol was our angel and that Carol gave us our baby boy. It started early (as nursing shifts do), and Carol, from the onset, brought the energy and excitement that elicited a feeling of control, confidence, and comfort. We got to know Carol on a personal level, on everything from family, upbringing, and just life. Carol demonstrated three instances, in my view, warranting this award. The first was later in the morning when we remarked that the IV was uncomfortable from being put in the night prior. Carol was a bit aghast, borderline offended, that we allowed a level of discomfort on her watch. Carol corrected the issue efficiently and humbly and set the tone that total care and comfort was the only path forward for the rest of the day. After a full day of contractions, the pushing was set to begin, and this is where the second instance takes place. Carol, as the head nurse, had a lot on her plate, but we just knew that she didn’t feel it, and Carol said, “Okay, I’m with you guys now until we have a baby.” Surprising, but as the head nurse, Carol can make that call - control and comfort. And third, after our baby was born, with a good level of stress involved, Carol was poised, omnipresent, and skilled. It wasn’t easy, and we all got through it, thanks to Carol. It’s a frightening thought having anyone else. Carol gave us our son; Carol birthed our son. We’re beyond blessed and thank God for Carol.