Nyssa and Gladys provided exceptional care during my labor and delivery. From the start, Nyssa greeted me with kindness and respect while triaging, admitting, and inducing me. She made me and my husband part of our care by ensuring we were properly educated on each intervention and medication. She answered all questions in a nonjudgmental way and went above and beyond in the ways she presented her care to us.

Nyssa ensured my pain was well managed and assisted me with various coping mechanisms. She encouraged me when I felt I couldn't manage my pain and acted quickly when I requested for pain medication and ultimately my epidural. Not once did I feel judged for requesting pain control methods. Nyssa encouraged me to make the best decisions for myself and my baby to keep us healthy safe and comfortable. Nyssa continued to provide exceptional care by staying over her designated shift time to provide support and encouragement through pushing. I cannot describe the relief I felt knowing I had Nyssa present while I pushed.

My baby was not tolerating pushing as her heart rate would drop. Nyssa provided calming relief to me with her presence as she would nod to me in encouragement that everything was okay, my baby was okay, and I was doing what I needed to do to get her here safely. Nyssa's presence alone eased my worries and anxieties. I could not have gone through labor and pushing without her.

Gladys was my night shift nurse who helped welcome our little one into the world. Alongside Nyssa, Gladys assisted and encouraged me with pushing. She helped reposition me in every creative way possible in an attempt to help move my baby in an optimal position for not only delivery but her heart rate too. Gladys provided our room with a calming spirit, one that allowed my husband and I to focus on the moment and our efforts to meet our little one. Gladys and my doctor allowed me to reposition and rest for 30 minutes in a last attempt to see if we could continue delivery in our labor suite.

Gladys comforted me when my tears poured, encouraging me and reassuring me that I am doing everything I can. Gladys made me feel empowered and in control during a time I had felt hopeless. She reassured me that my baby and my safety is her utmost priority and she promised she would do everything in her power to keep us safe. Ultimately our delivery method had not gone as planned as we ended up delivering in the OR but Gladys kept her promise. My daughter and I remained healthy and safe. I could not ask for more.

Following the c-section, Gladys made sure my pain was well managed. She also remained nonjudgmental in my requests for pain management just as Nyssa had. My biggest fear with a c-section was pain following the procedure. Gladys ensured I remained comfortable. I could not be more thankful for these incredible nurses and the patient-centered care they provided me. They both made me feel safe, empowered, encouraged, and strong in the most vulnerable time of my life. I could not have done this without them, and I wouldn't have wanted to. They have set the highest standards for what nursing care should entail. As we are an active duty couple with no family near, these women were not only my nurses but became my family.