I was a patient when I had our baby girl, who is beautiful and healthy. Our hospital stay was fantastic but my labor and delivery did not go at all how I had envisioned it. My labor was induced and lasted approximately 26 hours. Then entered Samantha as my nurse, at the 20-hour mark of labor with terrible contractions and not dilating any further. I was in a lot of pain and frustrated. She came into my room Friday night from 3 pm to 7 pm and as soon as she walked in the door I wanted to get my epidural.
She quickly got the ball rolling and worked calmly to set up and collaborate with the anesthesiologist to accomplish this. She comforted me and helped explain. Soon after receiving the epidural, my contractions slowed down but the baby's heart rate was also decelerating with contractions. The physician and Samantha came into my room to tell me that it was time for a C-section. I cried my eyes out. She was so sweet and gave me the emotional support that I needed. Then she and the other nurses quickly got me ready for the OR.
She remained with me until my baby was born at 7:14 pm. Keep in mind that her shift was supposed to end at 7 pm. I am also aware she had absolutely no time to get any sort of charting done. But she never appeared to be stressed, complained or tried to leave early. This extra little 4-hour shift of hers ended up to be an extremely busy, action packed afternoon and I am not sure when she was able to go home.
I wanted her to know my husband and I appreciated her and how she took care of us! Throughout this afternoon, she was calm, kind and comforting, all the while exhibiting her clinical expertise in the situation. I felt that she was a genuine and true person that really enjoys her job as a nurse. She really exemplifies what it meant to be a nurse and really deserves to receive this DAISY Award.