I would like to nominate an exceptional nurse, Abby Craffey, who cared for me during the most vulnerable time of my life. Abby was my nurse during the majority of my labor and the delivery of my firstborn.
I carried a significant amount of anxiety and fear heading into my labor. Abby recognizes what an awesome role she plays in the hospitalization and birth experiences of her patients as she did everything she could to ensure mine was a calm and positive experience.
Abby put me at ease immediately. When Abby's shift started my baby began to have mild distress.
Abby was quick and confident with her interventions. She explained everything she was doing and why. She reassured me and my family she was diligently watching over me and my son. Her affect was calming. She would bend over my hospital bed to be at my level when talking with me. As small a gesture as that seems it showed me she empathized and cared about my experience.
Abby was more attentive to my physical and emotional needs than any nurse I have ever encountered. She was vigilant about keeping me repositioned, clean and dry. She stayed in the room after every intervention and visit from a resident or doctor to ensure all my and my family's questions were answered and needs were met.
Abby advocated for me and the needs I had expressed to her in conversations with the resident and doctor. She voiced my concerns to the resident over starting an insulin drip as well as a pitocin drip when I felt overwhelmed and wasn't able to express my concerns as clearly as I would have liked. She was my voice in these moments.
Abby listened to me. She was a major influence in guiding my labor and delivery into a safe and calm experience. When it was time to deliver my son, I felt so lucky to have Abby as my nurse. She had gained so much of my trust, and I relied on her again to guide me and quell my fears. She was an amazing support during this time.
Abby is truly an exceptional nurse. My birth experience will always be celebrated and cherished and I feel Abby was a large part of why my family and I can look back with even more joy than anticipated. Thank you Abby for listening to me, truly caring for me and safely bringing my son into this world!