1st Letter

Penny radiated compassion for my daughter as she started providing care for her. From the moment she introduced herself she worked to make a connection with A. Sharing stories of motherhood that she thought might connect her with A. A shared with Penny that she was not sure she could love another child as much as her first child. A shared dreams she had been having related to the concern. Penny was quick to reassure A that she was soon to understand how a mother can love each child equally. As A started into labor Penny continued to check on her and have conversation to send the message to A that she was important to Penny. Penny explained how important it was to her to get to labor with mom and then get to enjoy the exciting moment that the baby would arrive. It was obvious that Penny loved being a labor and delivery Nurse and that every delivery was special to her. This made A feel comfortable. As A’s Mom I was very happy to see a nurse caring for my daughter with such love and compassion. As A’s labor continued Baby C started not tolerating the labor and a closer watch had to be placed on whether labor could continue or if a C-section might be necessary. A became very concerned, much quieter with an occasional tear streaming down her face. The tears were not because of pain but fear. Penny was quick to recognize A’s change and began to reassure her. Penny communicated effectively the seriousness of the situation but reassured her it was under control and that Penny was watching after her and her baby. Penny explained what steps would be taken if needed including moving forward with a C-Section. A remained concerned. Penny reassured A and told her, I know you will not be happy until you are holding C and you will be holding her soon. A felt very confident that she and her baby where in good hands with Penny as there nurse. During this difficult time A spoke up and said I understand now I love C and I just want to hold her. The Mother/daughter bonding had begun. All ended well, A delivered a healthy baby C with Penny at her side. Penny was able to let A hold her baby and this relieved all the concerns that A had been having. Penny is a Compassionate caring Nurse and she made this Mom very happy at a difficult time. Thank you Penny for understanding the importance of you role and its effect on all the families you encounter.

2nd Letter

Penny was very sweet and friendly from the beginning of the day. We were cutting up and laughing together. Not only that, she was extremely knowledgeable. She let me know exactly what I could expect for pain management. When my baby began not tolerating labor, she helped ease my anxiety. She was able to read me and understand how stressed I was and that it was no longer time to laugh and cut up.

She explained things so I could understand exactly what was going on. I never felt like she was trying to hide any of the details of my care from me.

After a long day together, Penny stayed after her shift to help me to the restroom and get situated back in bed. She stayed with me awhile because I felt horrible. She made me feel as comfortable as possible and made sure she couldn’t do anything else to help me before she left which meant a lot to me because she did not push me off onto the next nurse. I feel like she really cared about me as a person.