Jessica Kurelja
October 2023
Jessica
Kurelja
,
RN
Labor and Delivery
Geisinger Bloomsburg
Bloomsburg
,
PA
United States
We know if it was not for the constant attention, clinical knowledge and insistence of one nurse, we would not have our little man. Jess stayed by my side, supportive and caring.
I went to my scheduled OB appointment at GBH. After a quick assessment, I was sent to L&D for contractions and elevated fetal heart rate. Jess was my nurse. She was attentive, calm, and, above all, knowledgeable from the beginning. I explained to Jess that I had been admitted on several other occasions for similar events, however, “something was different". She looked me straight in my eyes and said I hear you, I hear you. As time went on, I received IV fluids and fetal monitoring as was the case 5 times before my contractions slowed and baby’s heart rate decreased. The OB/GYN explained that I had a few options: go home and return as needed (we live 50 minutes away) or I could stay for a while and see if there is any progress. Feeling foolish I nearly opted to go home, however, Jess reminded me of my own words, she said "You told me something is different, trust yourself Mama”.
She was right - I knew something was different, and with that, I chose to stay.
Knowing things were looking better, my boyfriend and I decided he should go to work as I was not progressing with labor at that time. A short time later the contractions I was feeling were becoming stronger, and I was given medications. The entire time Jess remained at my bedside with calming words. In an instant she was asking me to turn to my side, then my other, applying a non-rebreather as she called for the doctor. Specifics became blurry for me here between medications and fear. I only recall Jess telling me it would be ok as she called for a Code Lavender, simultaneously pushing the hospital bed toward the hall.
With that, I was in the OR, so many faces, so very much happening, absolutely terrified that we were losing my baby boy. Jess held my hand, told me I needed to remain calm for the baby, and off to sleep I went. I awoke to an absolutely beautiful little boy.
My boyfriend and I have talked this day over more times than I can count. We know we were blessed with the amazing providers we had from the office visit, to OB and throughout our transfer and stay at GMC OB and NICU, however we know if it was not for the constant attention, clinical knowledge and insistence of one nurse, we would not have our little man. Jess stayed by my side, supportive and caring. She noted the potential for an issue and called for the doctor without haste. She encouraged me to stay when I easily could have left.
She was aware of and immediately acted when the baby was in distress. She called the Code Lavender, got me to the OR, and held my hand until I was asleep. She is the reason we have our baby boy. I wish my words could express these moments as I intend them to; however, words cannot.
As a nurse myself, I know for certain that Jess is the reason the DAISY Award was created. She is the type of nurse all should strive to be.
She was right - I knew something was different, and with that, I chose to stay.
Knowing things were looking better, my boyfriend and I decided he should go to work as I was not progressing with labor at that time. A short time later the contractions I was feeling were becoming stronger, and I was given medications. The entire time Jess remained at my bedside with calming words. In an instant she was asking me to turn to my side, then my other, applying a non-rebreather as she called for the doctor. Specifics became blurry for me here between medications and fear. I only recall Jess telling me it would be ok as she called for a Code Lavender, simultaneously pushing the hospital bed toward the hall.
With that, I was in the OR, so many faces, so very much happening, absolutely terrified that we were losing my baby boy. Jess held my hand, told me I needed to remain calm for the baby, and off to sleep I went. I awoke to an absolutely beautiful little boy.
My boyfriend and I have talked this day over more times than I can count. We know we were blessed with the amazing providers we had from the office visit, to OB and throughout our transfer and stay at GMC OB and NICU, however we know if it was not for the constant attention, clinical knowledge and insistence of one nurse, we would not have our little man. Jess stayed by my side, supportive and caring. She noted the potential for an issue and called for the doctor without haste. She encouraged me to stay when I easily could have left.
She was aware of and immediately acted when the baby was in distress. She called the Code Lavender, got me to the OR, and held my hand until I was asleep. She is the reason we have our baby boy. I wish my words could express these moments as I intend them to; however, words cannot.
As a nurse myself, I know for certain that Jess is the reason the DAISY Award was created. She is the type of nurse all should strive to be.