My wife and I were transferred to JCMC from Mountainside Medical Center due to pre-eclampsia with severe symptoms. From the moment we arrived on the unit, we felt at ease because of the excellent care that Zakiyah Rawlins had given to us. She presented herself in a calm and reassuring manner and was attentive and empathetic to our experience leading up to that point. She was precepting at that time and she was still able to teach and crosscheck their work while caring for us. 

Throughout the time that she took care of us, she displayed such compassion, care, and competence that made our stay enjoyable amid a difficult situation. Each shift, she provided explanations of the tests being performed, conversations with the medical team, and sequences of events that we should expect. She kept us updated throughout our stay and advocated for my wife on several occasions, such as when she noticed that her Pitocin drip was causing FHR decelerations and advocating for her to receive her epidural before starting the Pitocin drip. 

Those were two events that changed the course of the labor for the better. Overall, she provided us with the best possible care we could have asked for and put our minds at ease while we went through a very challenging time. It was more fitting as this was during black maternal health awareness week and she exemplified the true heart of nursing-compassion, patience, advocacy, care, competency, and excellence. She blessed us immeasurably and we are forever grateful to her for the pivotal role she played in securing my wife’s and daughter's well-being. Thank you, Zakiyah!