I am embarrassed to admit that this "thank you" is about 7 months overdue. Every time I would go to throw this paper away I would remember my nurse Liz and the difference she made in my labor. I would be remised if I didn't acknowledge the help and support she provided me that day.
After being admitted for induction in the evening, Liz was my day shift nurse the next day. Immediately I was impressed with her professionalism and her attentiveness to my care. At the start of the shift, she asked me about my birth plan. I told her that I was hesitant to do an epidural due to placement fears. I too am a nurse and watching an epidural being placed was the one "fear" I carried with me from nursing school.
Liz helped me to come up with other interventions for my pain. When I told her I'd liked nitrous oxide she got right on it.
After about 8 hours of pain, I decided I needed an epidural. Just the thought and fear of it at the time made me irrationally emotional. Liz listened to my fears and concerns and didn't minimize them. Despite having a busy day. Liz left the floor to talk to the anesthesiologist about my concerns. Then as promised, she helped me get through it. She encouraged me to hold on to her, squeeze her, wipe my watery eyes (sorry about that), whatever I needed, all the while she talked me through it.
I know I was being a "difficult patient" but never once did Liz complain or rush me. She treated me like a family member. Liz is a fantastic nurse and the care she provided to me that day made all the difference.