Macy Vitale cared for me on several occasions during labor and delivery, as I was a frequent customer due to persistent preterm contractions. Each time we had her, Macy was exceptional in her care and made me feel at ease, which is very hard to do because I am very anxious. Fast forward, I was 35 weeks and 1 day. My contractions had become stronger and more intense, and my OB and I decided the best course of action was to deliver the baby to prevent adverse outcomes. I was extremely distraught and hysterically crying, feeling nothing but guilt for having my baby preterm, though it was medically necessary. Macy was my nurse that day, and though she could have just continued to do her job, she instead put aside the numerous tasks of prepping a patient for a C-section and took the time to talk to me, listen to me, and validate my feelings. This meant more at this moment than I can express because I was in an extremely low place emotionally. Macy has a demeanor about her that makes her easy to talk to; she was very respectful of my feelings and my wishes for my delivery. She showed a level of compassion and caring that is truly hard to find. She talked me through everything happening, allowing me to be fully informed and less anxious. I cried several times, and just the approach of such a caring nurse made a world of difference. My son was born in respiratory distress and needed to be admitted to the NICU. Given her incredible care and compassion, Macy made this scary experience a positive one, reassuring me every step of the way that she was there for me and that the NICU team would take great care of my baby. Even after Macy had transferred me to the postpartum floor, she continued to check on me and ask how both my baby and I were doing, and this meant so much to me. To find a nurse who is good at tasks is one thing, but to find a nurse who goes above and beyond to be truly present for her patients, to listen and validate and understand them, that is truly gold. I can't thank Macy enough for helping me through such a rough time and helping to get my baby here safely.