I was a patient in Labor and Delivery and I was fortunate enough to have Valeria Czetyrko as my nurse.
From the moment Valeria started her shift as my nurse, I knew that I was in good hands. Valeria introduced herself and explained her role in my care at rounds, which I feel is so necessary. It was a simple gesture, but it built trust immediately. Because I was in a great deal of pain at 7 cm dilated, she began to coordinate my care, which included an epidural, with efficiency and skill. She made me feel like my pain was a priority and did not delay my IV insertion, lab draw, or fluids, and went the extra mile by calling the lab to check on the progress of my results. Again, a simple gesture, but she did it without me even asking, and it made me feel cared for especially with the tremendous amount of pain I was in.
Valeria demonstrated so much knowledge, talking me through the processes I was about to endure from the insertion of my epidural to my actual labor and delivery. She helped me feel more prepared for every scenario and then walked me through each one. She helped me up when my contractions were so severe that I could hardly stay still as anesthesia placed the epidural.
When I reported that I felt hypotensive, she was swift in acting, calling for help and monitoring me and my baby. Even as my situation became frightening due to my baby having long decels, she did not waver in her concentration and promptly informed me of what transpired once my baby and I were stabilized. She handled my family with grace and advocated for my wishes when my desires did not align with my family's. And importantly, she was a wonderful source of encouragement when it came time to deliver my baby girl.
Valeria showed me so much compassion, and she embodies what a nurse should be. She made me feel so comfortable, which says so much about her because as a nurse I do not enjoy being a patient! Valeria has truly found her calling in labor and delivery, and I just wanted to say thank you to her.