I was admitted prior to having my second baby due to preeclampsia. My husband and I were told early on that my son would need to be delivered early for my safety. As a Nurse myself, I knew that this was what was best, but I had a lot of anxiety about delivering so early.

My blood pressure became uncontrolled, and I was told we could not wait any longer. When Labor & Delivery was notified, they said it would be close to shift change when my C-section would be performed. Nicole came over from Labor & Delivery to prep me for my C-section. She knew immediately that I was overwhelmed and scared of all the "what ifs." My Nurse brain knew this was what needed to happen, but my mom brain was not on the same page.

As night shift was coming on to take over, Nicole asked if I wanted her to stay and do my C-section. With tears in my eyes, I remember telling her that I did not want her to stay past her shift just to take care of me. There was no talking her out of doing it.

She got everyone in place and took me back to the OR, talking me through everything as we went. It was taking longer than I felt was normal to get the baby out, and I was starting to panic a little bit. Nicole came to the head of the bed and reassured me that everyone was taking their time, that everything was okay, and that she was with me the whole time.

As it got closer, she asked if I wanted her to take pictures of our baby as he was being delivered. After they got our baby out, I wanted my husband to go with him, but he was concerned about leaving me alone. Nicole quickly reassured him that she would not leave me and that she would be there for whatever I needed.

She held my hand as I was shaking uncontrollably and getting sick while they were closing me up, reassuring me the whole time that I was okay and doing just fine. After the procedure, she took me to my room and did all of my C-section recovery. Just after 10 p.m., three hours after her shift was over, she gave report and went home.

With a smile on her face, Nicole told me that I did a great job and how thankful she was that I let her care for me. I felt the exact opposite. I was so thankful that she chose to take care of me when she did not have to.

After a hospital stay, my son passed away. Nicole was at my son's funeral. The care and compassion she showed my family and me in such a short time is unmatched. She exemplifies what a selfless caregiver should be. Nicole is the Nurse we should all strive to be. She went above and beyond for my family, and I will forever be grateful for her.