March 2021
Peggy
Condon
,
RN, BSN
3-3
Silver Cross Hospital
New Lenox
,
IL
United States
I broke down crying immediately. It’s hard to put into words what happened next but without fear, Peggy came over to my bed, sat with me, and held my hands as I cried.
When I was admitted, Peggy was just starting her night shift. She knew because I had made it known that I was terrified of the labor process and being induced. She was so friendly and calmed my nerves from the start. That was just the beginning though. As my contractions were starting Peggy came into the room in full PPE and I didn’t recognize her. She had to deliver me the bad news that I tested positive for the coronavirus. I broke down crying immediately. It’s hard to put into words what happened next but without fear, she came over to my bed, sat with me, and held my hands as I cried. My worst fear was coming true- labor and the virus. As she held me she reassured me that my birth plan would be the same. My immediate response was for her to protect herself and her family and that I couldn’t infect her. She told me she would not leave me and that she was vaccinated. As my contractions picked up and I went into active labor she was there, not just physically but emotionally. As I was still worried about the virus she continued to listen and helped me put it in the back of my mind so I could focus on my labor. She talked me through the pain from the contractions and as I was getting the epidural she allowed me to hold onto her arms. My labor went on for 17 hours and although her shift ended before the baby was born, she assured me she would come back to see me afterward during her next shift and she did. She was there every step of the way. I couldn’t have gotten through that experience without her, I have no doubt about that.
I truly believe people come into our lives for a reason and Peggy came into my life to help me overcome my fear of childbirth. I will forever be grateful for the kindness and support Peggy gave me during a time I was completely terrified. She is a wonderful nurse and person with a heart of gold for her patients. If I am blessed with another baby, I pray we can make sure Peggy is on duty! She is my hero that deserves to be celebrated. All healthcare workers should be celebrated for all they are doing during this pandemic and she is one that definitely deserves this honor for going above and beyond. Thank you Peggy for being amazing. My heart is filled with gratitude.
I truly believe people come into our lives for a reason and Peggy came into my life to help me overcome my fear of childbirth. I will forever be grateful for the kindness and support Peggy gave me during a time I was completely terrified. She is a wonderful nurse and person with a heart of gold for her patients. If I am blessed with another baby, I pray we can make sure Peggy is on duty! She is my hero that deserves to be celebrated. All healthcare workers should be celebrated for all they are doing during this pandemic and she is one that definitely deserves this honor for going above and beyond. Thank you Peggy for being amazing. My heart is filled with gratitude.