Catherine O'Donnell
May 2017
Catherine
Odonnell
,
BSN, RN
Labor and Delivery
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa
,
FL
United States
This spring, I was scheduled to be induced. I was 39 weeks pregnant with my first one. My family does not live in town, so it was just my husband to accompany me and help me through this journey. I had the best RN I've ever experienced, her name was "Kate" but her badge said, Catherine. From the beginning of the day to the end, she was all smiles. I never waited long after I pressed the call light, and she was always very cheerful to help me with whatever I needed. She kept my room clean, she explained to me everything that was going on, helped reposition me all the time (I might have called extra be I hated being on one side for more than 45 minutes). When I was on clear liquids, she made sure my tray was stocked with all varieties of "food" and drink. She made everything seem easy and pleasant, and I know that nursing is usually anything but that.
I was induced that morning and the pain level became unbearable. I couldn't take it any longer after 2-3 hours. She immediately got the epidural for me. At this point, I was going through contractions and I couldn't hold still. Kate came in front of me, held my hands, and told me all of the steps and what I was going to feel. She was right on. She told me to squeeze her hands if I felt pain, and while I was squeezing her hard (sorry Kate!) she was walking me through everything. It's not easy getting the epidural placed, but again, Kate was there for me and made it happen. I was finally able to get some rest after that and Kate continued to take care of me until the end of her shift.
Though my mother couldn't be there, Kate did many of the things I felt like my mother would have done for me (plus extra medical knowledge and advice). Kate made me feel cared for, important and protected. I never felt judged or like I was being irrational. She told me she's been an RN for 10 years, and while her knowledge shows it, her care does not. She's the farthest thing from being burned out. She's a valuable member of your floor. I remember telling my own husband how I wouldn't have made it through the pitocin, the epidural, the cook/hook catheter, or the foley catheter if it hadn't been for Kate. Though my birth experience didn't go as planned, I'm so thankful and happy when I look back and think of Kate as my nurse.
I was induced that morning and the pain level became unbearable. I couldn't take it any longer after 2-3 hours. She immediately got the epidural for me. At this point, I was going through contractions and I couldn't hold still. Kate came in front of me, held my hands, and told me all of the steps and what I was going to feel. She was right on. She told me to squeeze her hands if I felt pain, and while I was squeezing her hard (sorry Kate!) she was walking me through everything. It's not easy getting the epidural placed, but again, Kate was there for me and made it happen. I was finally able to get some rest after that and Kate continued to take care of me until the end of her shift.
Though my mother couldn't be there, Kate did many of the things I felt like my mother would have done for me (plus extra medical knowledge and advice). Kate made me feel cared for, important and protected. I never felt judged or like I was being irrational. She told me she's been an RN for 10 years, and while her knowledge shows it, her care does not. She's the farthest thing from being burned out. She's a valuable member of your floor. I remember telling my own husband how I wouldn't have made it through the pitocin, the epidural, the cook/hook catheter, or the foley catheter if it hadn't been for Kate. Though my birth experience didn't go as planned, I'm so thankful and happy when I look back and think of Kate as my nurse.