I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl in the early hours. For what ended as arguably the most joyous occasion, it, unfortunately, started with anxiety and fear. You see, I myself am a nurse, which in this case was a blessing and a curse. There is a fine line between being knowledgeable and knowing too much for one's own good, especially as a first-time mom.
I am fortunate enough that my health has allowed me to always be the nurse and never the patient in the hospital. When it came time to have my baby, not only was I terrified to go through the unknown of labor and childbirth but for the first time in my life I was on the receiving end of nursing care. I am taking the time to write this because as it turned out I had the best experience possible given the unpredictable nature of labor and delivery.
It goes without saying that nurses everywhere are aware that in our profession there are some of us who stand out more than others. Some of us that by the end of your time with them you know that nursing is their calling. This nomination is for the special recognition of Jennifer Offutt because she stood out above and beyond the rest. She will forever be imprinted in my memory as what got me through both the most terrifying and sacred experiences of my life.
I was admitted for a planned induction Thursday evening. Jen was my nurse Friday morning and was by my side the entire day. My labor was not textbook. In fact, whatever could have gone against the grain - did. Now, you must know that my greatest fear going into labor was the ultimate need for a C-section. I made this clear to everyone involved in my care, it was no secret. I did not know this at the time, but a C-section was always looming over me. That did not change Jen's care for me and her advocacy for what did end up as a successful vaginal delivery.
At the start of our time together I was 100% effaced and 1cm dilated and progressed to 100% effaced and 8cm dilated by the end of her shift. I ended up needing two separate epidurals and hefty amounts of Pitocin. I was often screaming out in pain against my best efforts (I didn't want to be that patient/laboring mom). The pain was indescribable and beyond anything, my mind and body could have ever prepared for. Jen never made me feel ashamed or embarrassed. Instead, she provided validation, comfort, and professionalism.
I had my husband and family in and out, but truthfully looking back Jen was my rock, my calm during the storm. She was my source of reassurance and clarity in the moments of uncertainty and despair. I trusted her. Jen and I developed such a bond that I jokingly asked if she was going to stay over her shift to help see this baby into the world (selfishly I wasn't ready for her to leave). Imagine my luck when she considered it! Despite our hellacious day together she was ready to see me to the finish line.
She did not get to see baby girl and me to the finish line. She did, however, care enough to handpick my next nurse and ensure my husband and I were in good hands. Once she made it home, she was communicating with my night nurse and closely following my progression (with my permission). A couple of days later, she visited me in the mother-baby unit and got to meet the little girl that brought us together that day.
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Jen's personality and mine matched, she was exactly what I needed to get me through those twelve hours and beyond. With her, by my side, I was able to maintain my sanity and composure - which trickled down and helped put my husband and family at ease. Her perfect balance of medical knowledge and gracious personality is the embodiment of what every nurse should strive for.
P.S. I need you for my next child - so you cannot quit/retire/win the lottery any time soon!