Cathy is an exceptional nurse, whom I feel very blessed to have had as my Labor & Delivery Nurse! Throughout my experience she played the role of a phenomenal care giver, cheerleader, coach and friend. She demonstrated her skill and knowledge by not only taking the very best of car of me and my baby, but taking the time to explain every step of the event to me. She even drew a diagram of the baby's heart to explain the true miracle of how all his systems would shift from water to breathing oxygen. She was always one step ahead and prepared for each new development. As a person that likes to be in control it was so calming to know that my delivery experience was in her hands and I could sit back and enjoy the ride because I knew she was in control and could handle anything that would arise.

During child birth classes I was told to create a child birth plan. I did but had the expectation that this plan did not mean much because once I arrived at the hospital I would put my delivery in the hands of nurses and doctors who knew far better than I how to delivery a baby, and I was okay with this. However upon meeting Cathy she invited me to share my birth plan with her. I was amazed to see the ease with which she accepted and welcomed my birth plan. She made me feel that no request was too big, small or silly. Even more impressive is that I can say she followed my plan flawlessly and orchestrated the entire staff to follow the plan, so I never had to repeat my plan or worry if each person was aware. She was the architect for the entire team.

Cathy is a shining example of what every patient that is admitted to a hospital hopes their nurse will be. She was kind and compassionate, always checking in on me to make sure my every need or want was fulfilled. She made me and my entire family comfortable with her to ask for anything. She was so gentle and encouraging holding my hand during the epidural. She was even thoughtful enough to grab my camera and take pictures at key moments because she knew it was important to me. She included my family in the process every step of the way, by keeping them informed, and made them feel welcome in my room.

Shortly after the baby was born she offered to bath him in the room so he could stay close to us, and she invited my mother to help her. I know that is a special moment that my mother will never forget. Throughout my entire experience Cathy fostered an environment that I considered ideal for bringing a child into the world. She was calm and spoke gently, she was friendly and warm, she was always available and close by, I never had a moment of fear or concern because she was there to support not only me but my family. To simply put it Cathy enhanced my experience as a patient!

I feel I made a dear friend that day. West Kendall Baptist Hospital is very fortunate to have her, she is a true asset to the organization and the community.