February 2020
Jodi
Tesch
,
RN, BSN
LDRP
Aurora Medical Center - Oshkosh
Oshkosh
,
WI
United States

 

 

 

We arrived at the hospital with normal labor signs at approximately 0500AM. We were happily greeted by a nurse name Jodi who was instantly "all smiles" right along with us after confirming true contractions. Jodi remained right by our side during the most exciting, exhilarating, and terrifying moment in our lives to date. Jodi was quick to answer any and all questions that came up during this new experience for us.
It was quickly discovered that my wife had developed a very serious case of preeclampsia somewhere in the last two weeks. This new news was absolutely terrifying because it meant that this was no longer going to be a "normal" delivery. We were informed that delivery was now going to be induced (which we were trying to avoid during pregnancy) and that contractions were going to get stronger and more frequent.
Jodi was right there, doing absolutely everything that she could to comfort my wife and keep her calm as possible. Jodi took what seemed like a personal investment at the time in my wife's labor and wellbeing. Pitocin was administered and server contractions shortly followed. Jodi held my wife's hand, provided cold compresses, and talked to my wife to try to keep her calm through the pain.
Jodi's shift ended, but we saw her again, 12 hours later and still in labor. The pushing part had started nearly 2 hours prior, so Jodi was walking into what seemed to be chaos. Jodi quickly regained that personal connection at a time when we needed it the most!
Labor had reached the point where it was recommended that within the next 30 minutes a C-section would be performed. The news was a whirlwind of horrible and terrible emotions to which Jodi jumped up to comfort us. All other hospital staff stepped out of the room at this time, and my wife advised Jodi that she only wanted her to remain in the room and that she was going to naturally deliver our baby. Our baby was naturally delivered about 30 minutes later. If it weren't for Jodi, her personal connection, comfort, and care, my wife would have given up and underwent surgery.
Thank you, Nurse Jodi! And good luck with your NP degree!