During a long labor, specifically pushing, Marie chose to push her lunch break until after my son was born. She wanted to see it through and keep supporting me which I appreciated. I was in a vulnerable state and it would've been hard to start with a new nurse. Marie respected my concerns and fears throughout labor and delivery. She explained my meds, what she was doing, my son's newborn care, and everything in between so I was well-informed. If she didn't have an answer, she would ask another nurse or provider.

Marie was always attuned to my husband's and my needs throughout our time at the hospital. She was personable and caring while also performing her medical duties as a nurse with professionalism. When Marie took over as my nurse at shift change, she sat with my husband and me and took time to get to know us as a couple and as individuals. She also shared some tidbits about herself with us. By the end of her stay, Marie felt like family. I faced numerous bouts of anxiety during my labor and delivery. Marie never made me feel embarrassed about this and treated me with respect and validated my fears/worries. Labor and delivery is full of care and modesty has to go out the window. Even so, Marie performed this care with respect for my privacy.

We had Marie help us get a second set of footprints to take home, but she accidentally messed up the first one. She redid it, of course, but she autographed the failed footprint for us to take home. We all had a good laugh. Marie emanates joy for her work and anyone who has been cared for by her would agree. Marie took pride in handling our belongings and Essentia's equipment with care. She used adequate supplies to fulfill her care and duties, but was not wasteful. Marie demonstrated justice by providing ethical care and treating her colleagues with respect. She was teaching a student during one of her shifts and was never condescending, but treated the student as an equal.

As previously mentioned, Marie chose to take a late lunch to stay and be present during my delivery. She was a valuable asset to my delivery team which included nurses, an OB, and a midwife. She was willing to perform whatever was asked of her or needed. She collaborated well with her peers and colleagues. Marie was just an overall team player. My labor and delivery did not go as I had planned, but I still left the hospital in good spirits with good memories due to my son, but also Marie. She kept me smiling, validated my anxieties, supported me for 6 hours of pushing, and became family in a short amount of time. Essentia is lucky to have her!