December 2023
Payton
Poulos
,
RN
Family Birth Center
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital
St. Louis Park
,
MN
United States
Being somewhat new to the field of nursing, I felt like Payton carried herself with grace, confidence, and clarity on what to do, all the while keeping the air light and insisting on positive energy wherever she went
There are many fears and anxieties that swirl in a new mother's mind right after giving birth. But one of the most nerve-wracking moments often happens in the middle of the night when all is quiet and the world seems to have drifted to bed yet you are left with a brand new life crying. As the middle of the night nurse, Payton left me feeling very seen, and assured and gave me the confidence I never had in those nights. Her simple comments about how I'm showing signs of recovering very well, taking note of my preferences like how she will always offer to refill my water after every visit, how she was thoughtful about when to visit and give me my meds allowing me to take advantage of those fleeting opportunities to sleep, being curious about my culture and family, and being vulnerable enough to share with me some of her personal story. These are the several experiences I still remember today two months postpartum. During those moments I didn't feel alone, I didn't feel scared, I didn't feel like just a number. She left me every visit with a smile on my face. Being somewhat new to the field of nursing, I felt like Payton carried herself with grace, confidence, and clarity on what to do, all the while keeping the air light and insisting on positive energy wherever she went. I thoroughly enjoyed having Payton as my nurse those two nights in the ward. I hope she never loses that energy and bubbliness. Not all may appreciate it but those new moms like me won't forget it.