Patient education is important in all nursing fields, but in Labor and Delivery it takes on a whole new meaning. The patients are typically young, scared for themselves and their babies, in tremendous pain, and starting a new and challenging stage in their life. Those entering this process for the first time are blank slates and typically accept and welcome any teaching offered. A bedside nurse willing to accept this challenge can make all the difference to the patient and their significant other's experience, satisfaction, and quality of care in the hospital and at home. Heather is such a nurse.
Heather is excellent at hands on bedside nursing. She takes the time to get to know her patient and evaluate her needs. I have witnessed this countless times through Heather's interactions with her patients. She is friendly, approachable, and uses active listening skills to assess the situation. One example that stands out is her recent experience with a first time mom who wanted to go natural. The patient was determined to achieve this goal and Heather was determined to assist her. Heather spent hours at the bedside, teaching her patient and the patient's husband several relaxation and coping techniques. She incorporated several laboring position changes using the birthing ball and the labor tub. She even included the husband by demonstrating and charging him with different coaching techniques such as use of tennis balls for pain relief.
"You gave so much encouragement and support ", the patient later wrote in a letter to Heather." You were positive and upbeat throughout the entire day. When I reached the point that I didn't think I could keep going, you stayed calm and showed me that I could. You stayed by our side and saw us through to the end." This quote describes Heather so well. She is genuine with her patients, showing compassion coupled with a positive attitude. "My husband, you, and I brought a healthy baby into the world that day, and we are forever grateful for you. We were blessed to have your patience and dedication that day and I know that there are many more mothers and their children out there that can say the same." Her patient stated Heather's impact that day so eloquently.
Besides daily bedside nursing, Heather has expanded her teaching abilities to serve as a role model for the other nurses on the unit by chairing our Unit Based Council, orienting nurses, and working with nursing students. She has also joined several Shared Governance committees to further nurse and patient education throughout the hospital. I am amazed by the energy she has. She is always friendly, helpful, hopeful, and caring. As the last lines in her patient's letter reads, "Keep up the amazing work that you do every day. It is truly inspiring."