We first met Derra in the OR during my C-section. She was introduced as my baby's nurse. My C-section was anything but normal. Both my baby and I are lucky to be alive. Three doctors, a lot of blood, shouting and unforseen complications marked the delivery. When the doctor was screaming "floppy baby" after the baby was stuck for some time under a Bandle's ring and vacuum three times unsuccessfully (fracturing my daughter's skull), Derra worked quickly and calmly to bring my 36 week gestation daughter to life. Once she was breathing and stable she brought her right over and had her breastfeeding in minutes, never missing a beat, or opportunity to bring a very abnormal delivery a sense of normalcy.

She became the nurse who would take care of us during the day shift for the rest of my time at the hospital. She is the person who discovered the fracture on my daughter's head. She took amazing care of booth of us and my husband and three year old daughter. She is the one who held my hand after a horribly unprofessional visit from the doctor and handed me tissue and reassured us. Her nursing skills are outstanding.

She managed my pain and was so encouraging I was up and out of bed 12 hours after my C-section. I gave birth to a 36 week old fighter and Derra made the difference between her being with me or in the NICU or worse. She was literally lifesaving. I really believe having the benefit of the same nurse, especially Derra, made all the difference in the outcome of our care and recovery.