On the evening of Saturday, an antenatal patient was brought to us from mother-baby for a late-night induction following elevated blood pressures and a category II fetal heart rate tracing strip.  I was in charge and asked Sierra to care for this patient, to which she agreed.  Almost as soon as Sierra entered the room, the patient's FOB abruptly left, visually upset, and the patient was sobbing.  Sierra asked what was wrong to which the patient told her that her boyfriend just received a call saying his mom had been found unresponsive at a gala downtown that she was attending, and EMS was on the way to her.  

About 90 minutes later, the patient's boyfriend came back stating, "My mom just died".  The patient, boyfriend, and the patient's aunt who was in the room were all understandably upset, crying, and comforting each other.  About 10 minutes later, the patient's boyfriend began to feel ill and suddenly passed out while sitting in the room chair.  Sierra acted fast and assisted him to the floor before he fell.  

The next night, this patient was still on our unit and Sierra asked for them back, labored with her, and had a beautiful, emotional delivery where she was able to celebrate the life of their new baby with them, and also respectfully give them space to grieve as the boyfriend's mom was intended to be at the delivery.  
 
Later, the patient's aunt pulled me aside and thanked me for all that we had done for them during this time, especially for Sierra as the aunt stated "She is so good with them, letting them cry and be happy at the same time".

Sierra showed compassion, respect, care, and grace as she spent so many hours with this family during one of the happiest times of their lives (their first baby together), and one of the hardest times of their lives (the sudden loss of a parent).  I wouldn't expect anything less from Sierra as she is an amazing nurse and an amazing person.  Thank you Sierra for all that you do for not only our patients but our patient's families.