There are many nurses and health care providers you come in contact with over your lifetime, but there are only a few that will make a lasting impression on you and that you will remember forever. Lauren Carlie and Karen Kitchens are two of the nurses that I will never forget. They are angels on earth...my angels. They saved my life, and I will forever be grateful to them!
My husband and I arrived at Doctors Hospital L&D unit for me to be induced. The first face we saw was Karen, who was working as the charge nurse that night. Her face was bright and cheerful, even though half of it was hidden behind a surgical mask. She led me to the room where I would prepare for the delivery of our baby boy!

Lauren was not my primary nurse upon arrival, but I saw her multiple times throughout her shift because she was helping out her other coworkers. As a nurse myself and a previous med-surg nurse at Doctors Hospital, I know how crazy shifts can be sometimes. It makes work less stressful and more enjoyable when you have the support of other coworkers. I witnessed firsthand that Lauren is a team player, and I am confident that she is highly regarded by her coworkers.

Lauren returned to work at 7 pm for her next shift, and I was still in labor. I was lucky enough to have her as my primary nurse for this shift. I firmly believe God had a hand in picking her as my nurse because he knew I would need an earthly angel like her to get me through what was yet to come. Lauren worked all evening, alternating my position, titrating my Pitocin, etc., trying to progress my labor. There were tears that were shed, and she talked with me and provided a listening ear when I was upset and emotional.

My labor was still not progressing, and the doctor made the decision that a C-section was necessary, so I was taken at 11pm. Shortly after returning to my room from the C-section, I began to hemorrhage. Lauren was knowledgeable about how to handle the situation and was quick to take action. She notified the doctor, who was also at my bedside intermittently throughout the night. The charge nurse, Karen, the doctor, the nurse anesthetist, and multiple other L&D staff worked as a whole, providing interventions to try to stop the bleeding while also trying to keep my vital signs stable. It was a group effort.

Karen worked alongside Lauren, trying to control the bleeding and keep me calm. She continuously pulled my husband to the side and let him know what was going on, so he was not left in the dark while watching this nightmare unfold before him.
Lauren hardly left my bedside. Being a nurse, I knew things were not looking good as I continued to lose blood and become extremely hypotensive. I could feel the life fading from me. She comforted me and gave me reassurance when I asked if I was going to die. I tried to remain calm for my husband, who I could tell was also very concerned.

After a couple of hours, hemorrhaging continued despite numerous efforts to stop it. I began receiving blood transfusions. The doctor informed me that she would need to take me back to surgery for a hysterectomy. At age 33, this is not the news I wanted to hear, but I knew that it was necessary in order to save my life. I was so scared I would never get to hold my precious baby boy or be able to love my 3-year-old little girl again. I was terrified.

It was then that Lauren determined that I was a believer. She said to me, “If you have felt me gently placing my hands upon you throughout tonight, I am silently praying over you.” She continued to pray over me intermittently throughout the ordeal. It gave me a sense of peace and comfort during the scariest moment of my life. And, I’ll never forget as I was wheeled out of my hospital room to the OR, Karen prayed over me. It gave me a sense of peace and comfort during the scariest moment of my life.

I had even more complications after surgery and ended up having to go to the ICU on a ventilator. My husband and mom were terrified. They returned to my room on the mother-baby unit and continued to wait for updates. Lauren continued checking in on my husband and my mom and even went and purchased snacks and drinks for them. She went above and beyond not only for me, but also for my family! Karen continuously provided them with updates. I was told she came to the ICU several times during the remainder of her shifts to check on me.

Throughout my five-night hospital stay, they came to check on me each night she worked. Lauren even came to check on me on her day off, which was a sweet surprise! She is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met.

Lauren and Karen truly care about their patients and their families. They are kind and compassionate and have such a gentle bedside manner. Their knowledge, attention to detail, and quick actions helped save my life. They are my angels on earth and very deserving of the DAISY Award!