Jessica Brooks is a RN in the Birth Center at Virginia Baptist Hospital. She was the nurse caring for a patient who was undergoing an induction labor when the situation turned emergent. Her actions on that day not only embodied excellent assessment and clinical skills, but also the absolute heart and soul of nursing.

As she was providing labor support and encouragement to this patient, the fetal heart rate dropped dangerously low. Jessica immediately alerted other team members of the situation. I was the provider (CNM) caring for this patient. I was notified right away as well, and quickly left another patient's room to attend to the emergent situation. When I entered the room, Jessica quickly informed me of the change in the fetal heart rate, while preparing the patient for an emergent cesarean section, while other team members prepared the operating room. The patient was quickly transported to the OR and prepared for the stat surgery. The events that transpired in the OR that day, as well as the outcome, for this first-time mother and her baby, were certainly not what we had hoped for. The baby was delivered by c/s, resuscitated by the NICU staff, and transferred to a higher level of care for brain cooling. The baby passed away during the early morning hours the next day. In the midst of this devastating situation for the patient, her husband, as well as the entire team, Jessica consistently and lovingly provided incredible nursing care and emotional support to this patient and her husband.

Certain details that occurred on this day created a very tense and emotional situation for all involved. For Jessica, the primary nurse for this patient, it was especially difficult. Because of the fact that she was the patient's primary nurse, she not only circulated during the surgery, but also cared for the patient in the recovery room, leaving no chance for her to step away from this situation to have a chance to collect her thoughts, or process any of the events that occurred. As the patient's provider, I witnessed something that day that I believe embodies every single element of the art and science of nursing. I saw a nurse utilize her nursing knowledge and excellent skills in response to an emergency situation. After this, I witnessed this same nurse provide amazing care in a devastating situation, maintaining her composure, going above and beyond what was required of her, to so lovingly care for her patient and her husband. Jessica is a true example of excellence in nursing, demonstrating not only incredible knowledge and skills, but incredible care and compassion in difficult situations.