Kelly was my nurse during my third day at Henry Ford West Bloomfield. I had been admitted for an induction on April 19, 2012, and I met Kelly on April 21, after the induction process appeared to have failed. I was scheduled for induction at 39 weeks due to gestational diabetes and fetal size, as well as a PAC detected with the baby’s heart at 37 weeks. The pregnancy was challenging for me, both physical and emotionally, primarily due to the medical issues that we had experienced. I had been living with fear that the baby would also have Spina Bifida, due to the results of the genetic screening at 19 weeks. While the detailed ultrasound showed that my baby was likely to be fine, I had opted out of the amniocentesis that would have offered nearly 100% certainty due to the risks involved with that process. While I realize that more significant medical issues often arise during pregnancy, as a nervous first-time mother I found it difficult to enjoy my pregnancy with the barrage of test results coming up positive and the potential risks. I was so relieved to get to the point of induction because I had been so terrified throughout the pregnancy, and the failure of the induction techniques left me frantic with fear and stress.

The midwife on staff that day mentioned two options to us – either being sent home and waiting to deliver to 40+ weeks or try Cervidil, which the midwife didn’t seem to think would necessarily kick start my labor. I was heartbroken and nearly inconsolable. The concept of going back home without my baby safely delivered and without the relief that would come from finally seeing that he was healthy was terrifying. Kelly was the nurse assigned to me that day, and I am eternally grateful that she worked with me.

I ultimately chose to try the Cervidil in case it would finally get my labor started. When the other nurses left the room, Kelly introduced herself and told me that she would do everything she knew how to do to help me have my baby that day. I was in tears, and her determination and kindness helped me to focus on the goal again. She planned out my morning before the Cervidil was introduced with time for breakfast and then power-walking to bring on the labor. She also told me we’d also try the birthing ball and other positions to bring on labor. Her optimism and resolve inspired us to remain positive that we would have our baby today. She single handedly brought my skyrocketing stress down and provided hope. Amazingly, within an hour of the medication being introduced into my system, I went into labor under Kelly’s watchful eye. She stayed with me for the rest of her shift and coached me throughout the pain. She was incredibly patient and kind and was truly a coach in every way, both for me and for my family. Kelly offered reassurance and kindness beyond what I have experienced with many healthcare professionals.

While I received excellent care from the nursing staff at Henry Ford West Bloomfield, Kelly Zimmerman rose above and beyond to help me reach my goal. She appeared to be absolutely committed to me in every way, and my family and I were so sad when her shift ended that day. She hugged each of us fiercely and had several of us in tears. She said she regretted that she couldn’t stay past her shift, but her child had been injured at a baseball game that day. I ended up delivering my son that evening, and Kelly had apparently called several times to check on my progress. Her dedication to seeing us through delivery, even from home on a Saturday night, was heartwarming.

I absolutely believe that she was essential to my successful induction that day. Before she stepped up with her kindness and determination, I was lost in a wave of negative emotions and failure. I wish I could better describe her impact on my entire family, but there honestly aren’t words for how we all felt about her. Her interaction with us was above and beyond what I could expect from a nurse, and although we only worked together for a few hours, I will never forget her. She is completely deserving or every accolade available.