"I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou

I first came to the Riverside Medical Center for routine NSTs during the last weeks of my pregnancy. All of the nurses I encountered on the Labor & Delivery Unit were friendly and did their job well from my initial interaction with them during the NSTs, all the way through to the delivery of my baby, postpartum care, and discharge. Though, one in particular that I had the privilege of being my nurse on multiple occasions, set the bar for me, my husband and family, who were present to witness her interactions with me and them as well. I'm an advanced age, first time mom, who had some limited knowledge of what to expect, but no personal pregnancy experience until now.

From our first interaction, Tammy was professional and informative, without any underlying condescendence. She showed respect, interest, compassion and consideration to me in many ways over the times she was my nurse. During my stay in L&D, Tammy consulted with me about the details of my medical directives so she had a clear understanding of my wishes.

She was compassionate to my apprehensions to some of the routine medical procedures and very considerate in adhering to those apprehensions when and where possible. She was also able to calmly and clearly communicate with me when and why it was medically advised and or necessary to allow these procedures for my baby and my greater good, without being pushy. She made sure my doctors and nurses coming in on the next shift were fully updated to my medical directives and apprehensions.

Tammy was personable with me and my family and kept me positive during my long hours of labor during her shifts. I realize most of what Tammy said and did for me is part of the job of a L&D nurse, but here's the difference. Tammy has a genuinely pleasant disposition of care and compassion with a balanced display of confidence. She wasn't rushed when talking to and caring for me. She took her time and was careful, but deliberate. She did her job well because it seemed to me to be her passion.

As a result, when she was on duty as my nurse, besides my family being there, I felt I had another trusted, knowledgeable, experienced caretaker who was on me and my baby's side. I wasn't just another Riverside L&D patient, but a person who would be heard, advocated and cared for properly. I trusted Tammy, and my family therewith me did also. This brought me a great amount of calmness that helped me get through process easier.

Although I'm first-timer, I've been able to witness a birth firsthand and have heard details of numerous hospital and birth experiences from family and friends over the years. So, I can say without a doubt, that Tammy is the ultimate professional, an extraordinary nurse, and the Riverside L&D Unit is fortunate to have her on their team.

Now, I have a beautiful child and story of my own to relay and over the coming years, I may forget some of the fine details but I will never forget how Tammy's presence as my nurse made me feel. She's forever one of the highlights of my experience. For the positive impact she had on my experience with Riverside, I am forever grateful and thankful.