Yuka was nominated by an OB patient, a nursing student who was admitted in early labor at 37 weeks. Yuka had actually switched shifts that day with a coworker and was assigned to the patient. “When I met Yuka, I could tell she was special. She thoroughly explained my epidural and her plan to help me throughout labor and delivery. We loved her personality. She was at all times professional, but put us at ease with her sense of humor.” The patient’s son was born at 1:15 a.m. but had a low Apgar score. Apgar is a quick test performed on a baby at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. Tests quickly revealed a few other complications and he was transferred to NICU at Cardinal Glennon. “As a nursing student, it was scary knowing more of what was happening clinically, and Yuka answered all my questions. She stayed after her shift to see us through. I often wonder how different my experience would have been had Yuka not switched shifts that day and thank my lucky stars she did!”