My husband and I lost our first pregnancy through fetal demise. We were devastated trying to navigate all the emotions as first-time expecting parents as well as the next steps for my health. I went in for a D & C in late December. I struggled getting up and to the hospital that morning. Everyone involved were phenomenal professionals, but one nurse stood out the most. Ms. Femy Joseph was the angel I needed in that moment.

After my surgery I was emotional, and heartbroken. Femy did all the needed care that comes with her job plus more. She held my hand while I cried, and brushed my hair out of my face while explaining to me how to move forward. She was tender with her words and expressions through the whole ordeal. A few dyas later, I was sent back for another D & C due to existing membranes still in place. This set my grief back to square one. Ms. Femy Joseph was right there after the procedure once again. This time with much more understanding of my pain. She did the exact same thing. She held my hand and wiped my tears away with a towel. She listened to me talk about how I was dealing with my grief and validating everything I was feeling with her presence. I will forever be grateful for her in those moments of need. She is truly an amazing nurse, and her bedside manner cannot be beat. I think of her compassion daily as my husband and I move forward with our grief. Rio Grande Regional is very lucky to have a nurse like that. She truly deserves an Award like this and way more.