I was admitted to WBH when my water broke. Due to the risk of infection, my husband and I were advised of the standard recommendation to induce labor using Pitocin. We were hesitant, however, to use any drugs that would be passed through to the baby, lest there be any undesirable impacts to him. As we waited to see if contractions would begin naturally, to no avail, we were advised more strongly to pursue inductions, yet we were still concerned when weighing the potential risks of Pitocin versus the potential risk of infection. The situation was very stressful for me as I value medical expertise but also wanted to ensure that I was thinking for myself.

Steph was my nurse at the time and she chose to listen in on one of our chats with the midwife. I asked her later to weigh in on the discussion and her starting point was to ask us why we were hesitant. I immediately appreciated that she did not start with any assumptions or judgments but rather tried to understand our position. We presented our concerns and Steph was engaged and patient in listening. She seemed to understand the balance that we were trying to strike between medical advice and personal values and how the prioritization of either over the other would lead to a different approach to care. In this process, Steph provided us with printed information about the available drugs, answered our questions, and reasoned with us. She also recognized that, while I was the patient, I desired my husband to be thoroughly involved in the decisions, and she treated him as an equal participant in the discussion. Throughout our time talking, Steph did not simply spout scripted recommendations but instead used her medical knowledge and resources to help us understand all of the options available and why the standard usage recommendations are in place, allowing us to be informed as possible in making decisions. She was the epitome of respect and professionalism, and she demonstrated the commitment to thought and reason that undergird not only good care but also scientific progress.

A couple of weeks later, we happened to see Steph in the parking lot. She recognized us and came over to meet our baby and see how we were doing. Even in this brief interaction, she exuded compassion, kindness, and support. While I had many excellent caregivers in my recent stays at the hospital, Steph has consistently demonstrated exemplary care that is deserving of recognition. It would be a privilege to work with her again.