Recently Lisa walked into her 7 am shift to this: a first-time mom who had no idea what to expect with labor and/or delivery. I was already scared and anxious because of the events of the day before. I had an ultrasound showing that my amniotic fluid was way too low, a huge drop in my baby's heart rate during an nst, and finally the doctor's decision to induce me. I was first started on Pitocin at 5 pm on Monday. It was shut off at 10;30 that night because my son's heartrate kept dropping very low and I just wasn't progressing. My pitocin was restarted at 5 am on the 6th. At this point I was scared beyond belief that my labor was going to end in a c-section, or worse, something could go wrong with my son.

Lisa came into my room right when her shift started at 7am. We spent quite awhile discussing my concerns. She took the time to thoroughly explain everything to me. From what the pitocin does to a person's body, to what the normal procedures are during vaginal and c-section deliveries. No matter what question I threw at her, she answered. When meconium was discovered in the amniotic fluid, she spent the next few minutes to explain what that meant for me and my baby. She has a very caring and compassionate nature about her that instantly comforted me. Even though I was going through the single most scary thing I had ever gone through, I somehow felt calm. She left my room only to go call the doctor and inform her of the turn of events. Lisa was in my room for most of the time helping me through my contractions. I had very bad back labor and she rubbed my back and helped me lay in different positions to try to help. Lisa coached me through my labor.

Lisa knew how much I wanted to breast feed so as soon as she could, she brought him to me so that I could try. She spent about thirty minutes with me trying to get him to latch on. When he wouldn't latch on she spent even more time comforting me. With everything that went on during my labor and delivery, I am forever grateful to her. I truly don't believe another nurse could have done the amazing job she did.

Some may say she was only doing her job, but I disagree. She went above and beyond to make sure I was informed and comforted through everything. She made a very scary situation, less scary. I will remember her and the amazing job she did forever. I truly believe she is the perfect candidate for this award and a perfect example of how all nurses should be.