Nine years ago, at 34 3/7 weeks pregnant with twins, I presented to Labor & Delivery (L&D) because of bleeding. I was a Women's and Children's Float RN at the time, so I knew bleeding was not good. Plus, I knew Baby A had Placenta Previa, which was causing the bleeding, I suspected. As typical of a nurse, I came with a big problem right after shift change around 7:30 pm. L&D was so busy.
Stephanie met me at the door and took me to the triage bay. I was so scared, but she calmly talked me through what I needed to do, get in a patient gown and lay on the gurney for my assessment. She kept a straight face when she saw the large amount of blood on my clothes. She contacted the doctor to see me and was applying the fetal monitor. She methodically did her job, never letting on how scary the circumstances were. She talked with my husband and me and kept us calm. At the same time, she expressed to the doctor her concern over my having contractions and the bleeding I continued to have. The doctor wasn't impressed at first, but Stephanie advocated on my behalf and on the behalf of my twin boys to take me ASAP to the OR for a C-section. The doctor sensed her urgency and took me back for my surgery ASAP.
Twin A had some respiratory issues after birth, but they both had a short hospital stay. Every year I am so thankful on my twins' birthday for Stephanie's advocacy for our delivery sooner rather than later.
Being a nurse and working with sick babies, I appreciated the possible long-term effects of developmental delays and/or mental delays or retardation due to oxygen deprivation in utero. Stephanie was an incredible advocate for my baby and I am so thankful that he is a happy, energetic, normal 9-year-old without any long-term issues. I call Stephanie "R's Angel" because she was watching over him that day. (The other twin was completely stable and is also a happy, healthy 9-year-old!)
I'm not sure why it has taken me 9 years to think of recognizing Stephanie. This nomination is long overdue for her!