During the time that was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life, Chelsea was the most sensitive and supportive nurse I have ever had.  I was pregnant with my second child. I came in for a regular non-stress test because of my gestational diabetes. This time, for sure, was going to change my whole life. I failed. She was quick to reassure me and my feelings that these things happen sometimes. She made me feel safe and consoled during this time.

Unfortunately, due to complications, my child was born early at 31 weeks via C-section. I had at that time never in my life had surgery before, so I was terrified at the thought of being cut open. Chelsea was thankfully so understanding. She made sure to check in on me extra, as I think she knew how scared I was and that the prognosis of my unborn child at the time was not looking good. I was scheduled the next day to have my c-section.

Fast forward; She was on again in the L&D unit. She specifically asked to be on my service because she knew I had formed an emotional bond with her during my previous day there. She made sure every step of the way to reassure me that I would be ok and justified my feelings. When I got into the operating room, I was shaking so badly because I was nervous/terrified. She gave me one of the most sincere and firm hugs and helped me calm down by talking me through breathing techniques. My husband told me that during my surgery, I was asking for her subconsciously, so he knew she made a lasting impression on me.

After my surgery, I was sad she wouldn't be my nurse in the recovery portion. Chelsea is the most admirable nurse in the L&D department, and she checked in on me frequently while I was recovering when she did not have to. Unfortunately, my child passed away. Chelsea reached out to me yet again then and offered her condolences. In my 28 years of being a patient with Arnot, I have never had this care. She showed me what it was like to have someone really truly care about the patient and not just be there for the money. I am now employed by Arnot Health, and I just found out about this award; I wish I had known sooner so I could nominate her then. Chelsea truly cares about the patients with Arnot and goes above and beyond to make sure the patient feels safe, secure, and heard when needing something. She connected with me and I will be forever grateful for her unconditional kindness during the hardest time of my life. I hope she is considered for this award even though it is a couple of years after the fact. It speaks volumes of her that even a couple years later I still remember her actions as if they were yesterday done with such passion and certainty.