June 2014
Becky
Donald
,
RN
Childbirth Unit
Memorial Hospital of South Bend
South Bend
,
IN
United States
In October I came to the Childbirth Unit, 4 days overdue, in labor, and ready to welcome my first child. It was then that I had the great opportunity to meet Becky MacDonald. She was my triage nurse when I arrived. I was relieved at the welcome and greeting she extended me.
She could tell the contractions were uncomfortable and was so patient with me when I continually asked to stand up as it helped with the pain. For those that know me I use a lot of humor. When Becky asked what the doctor had told me at my last appointment I joked "That I'm still pregnant!" She laughed and smiled at me. It was a relief to joke with her.
With the doctor busy, she assessed how dilated I was. I felt so comfortable with Becky because of how she explained everything she was doing. It was decided that I would be admitted and as luck would have it, Becky was going to be my labor and delivery nurse.
When we entered the labor and delivery room I suddenly realized the possibility that my husband would not arrive from Fort Wayne in time. Becky was quick to assure me that everything was going to be alright. She even talked with him on the phone to give him directions when he arrived at the hospital and assured him that everything was going great.
I'm a nurse, but this is not my specialty. I was not prepared for labor and didn't know what to expect. Becky explained everything in detail and helped me understand what was going on. I can't explain enough how much I appreciated that. She gave me several options about positioning and ways to help alleviate pain, which was important because I decided to not receive an epidural. She pushed on my lower back when contractions came and the relief was unbelievable.
After my husband arrived she was so accommodating to us, making sure that his questions were answered, but also asking him if he'd like a glass of water. That simple act of offering my husband water showed that she truly cared about both of us.
After a little while I couldn't take the pain and asked for some IV pain medication. I was surprised at how promptly she returned with the medication. I know that I wasn't Becky's only patient, but she made me feel like I was.
There are some people who have an impact on your life. Becky won't likely recognize me, but I will always remember Becky's face, offering reassurance and encouragement during such a monumental part of my life. I'm sure to Becky she was "just doing her job." But to me it was more impactful than that.
As nurses, we can become forgetful that while this may just be another ordinary day of work for us, for our patients, it is an important day in their life. I am forever thankful for the wonderful care and attention that I received from Becky. She is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.
She could tell the contractions were uncomfortable and was so patient with me when I continually asked to stand up as it helped with the pain. For those that know me I use a lot of humor. When Becky asked what the doctor had told me at my last appointment I joked "That I'm still pregnant!" She laughed and smiled at me. It was a relief to joke with her.
With the doctor busy, she assessed how dilated I was. I felt so comfortable with Becky because of how she explained everything she was doing. It was decided that I would be admitted and as luck would have it, Becky was going to be my labor and delivery nurse.
When we entered the labor and delivery room I suddenly realized the possibility that my husband would not arrive from Fort Wayne in time. Becky was quick to assure me that everything was going to be alright. She even talked with him on the phone to give him directions when he arrived at the hospital and assured him that everything was going great.
I'm a nurse, but this is not my specialty. I was not prepared for labor and didn't know what to expect. Becky explained everything in detail and helped me understand what was going on. I can't explain enough how much I appreciated that. She gave me several options about positioning and ways to help alleviate pain, which was important because I decided to not receive an epidural. She pushed on my lower back when contractions came and the relief was unbelievable.
After my husband arrived she was so accommodating to us, making sure that his questions were answered, but also asking him if he'd like a glass of water. That simple act of offering my husband water showed that she truly cared about both of us.
After a little while I couldn't take the pain and asked for some IV pain medication. I was surprised at how promptly she returned with the medication. I know that I wasn't Becky's only patient, but she made me feel like I was.
There are some people who have an impact on your life. Becky won't likely recognize me, but I will always remember Becky's face, offering reassurance and encouragement during such a monumental part of my life. I'm sure to Becky she was "just doing her job." But to me it was more impactful than that.
As nurses, we can become forgetful that while this may just be another ordinary day of work for us, for our patients, it is an important day in their life. I am forever thankful for the wonderful care and attention that I received from Becky. She is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.