Kaitlin was the L&D nurse at UCSD Jacobs who helped deliver my baby. Kaitlin was just coming on her shift for the day when I started to transition into pushing. She was by my side the entire time I was laboring - coaching, encouraging, and empowering me the whole time to continue to endure. I felt like I was her highest and only priority that day. As soon as my baby was born Kaitlin jumped in to make sure she was breathing and placed her on my chest. She explained what she was doing the whole time and had the most amazing bedside manner. While I was recovering in the afternoon and under her care she was constantly making sure I was comfortable and at ease. She was so personable and my husband felt like she cared for not just me, but for him and baby - our whole family.
I had a lot of questions and she was patient and so easy to talk to - I never felt like a burden to her. I asked Kaitlin who else on the team that day was a nurse traveler and she said she was the only one and that she worked for Aya. It made me so proud that I worked for the same company as this amazing nurse. She exemplified exceptional experiences to me and stood out among the nurses I had during my stay.
I didn't realize until she ended her shift that the standard that she set for care was exceptional. I have never spent extended time as a patient in a hospital and my first night and subsequent days made me miss Kaitlin and the superb care she provided. I hope that if I ever have another hospital stay, whether it be for future children or otherwise, that I have a nurse who is as caring, kind, knowledgeable, patient, and helpful as Kaitlin. She stands out as the best I have ever experienced and I would love to see her honored for her dedication to compassionate patient care.