Lorena Duncan, BSN, RN

When Lorena took over my care at 7pm, I had a high fever and was not progressing. I honestly didn’t even care about who my night nurse was. I just wanted to sleep and have my son. An hour later, she was wrangling antibiotics, and the provider came in to check me to see if I would need a c-section. For two hours, Lorena was by my side, helping me push before it was decided that the baby’s head was stuck and I needed a C-section. She continued to be the familiar face in the OR and recovery room. As a mother-baby nurse, I even asked and kind of joked with her about my blood loss. Never knowing what was about to happen. From my standpoint, I felt too weak to hold my son, and I closed my eyes. I woke up with a ton of people around, and my mom was in tears hearing talk of the ICU. I asked Lorena if I hemorrhaged, and she said she wasn’t sure if it was that or sepsis. She stayed with me on the way to the ICU and through very painful exams and procedures. All I could think was that I was going to die. Lorena held my hand and made me believe it would be okay. I told her I was the only one my son had, and somehow, she had me feeling like it would all be okay. I asked her to bring my mom to see me before she left for the day. She remained a constant light through a horrific experience, and I am so thankful she was there. In the recovery room, my blood pressure started dropping, and if/when I would answer orientation questions, I wouldn’t be coherent. Lorena was the only staff member with me for a bit but was very focused on my vitals and constantly reassuring my parents. As a nurse, I know that complications arise with patients all the time. As a patient, I have never been so scared in my life. I know Lorena may have been nervous or scared, but she never showed it. I will never forget reaching for her hand in the ICU that night or her shining presence.