As a young mother in her first pregnancy with a needle phobia, safe to say my interactions with health care providers throughout my pregnancy had included a lot of tears. I often even experienced intense fear of routine blood draws or injections. That’s why when I went to Froedtert for my labor induction at midnight on a Friday night in early August, the nurse who began my labor journey was so important.

As a psychologist myself, I know all the tricks to combat fear and phobias, but nothing could compare to the importance of my nurse’s genuine empathy for me and her overall kind and caring nature to calm me and give me the strength to cope with one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I was extremely fortunate to have Nurse Kristin, as the one who would begin what would be a 3-day labor process.

From the time I arrived at the hospital, I was in tears asking her how she would put the IV in. Instead of being dismissive of my irrational fear, she listened to me and was very reassuring, helping me cope. She explained the reasons for what she was doing, shared her experience with the procedures, answered my thousands of anxiety provoked questions, and brought me at least 15 cups of juice. She was even well versed in alternative healing practices, like using essential oils to help create a calming atmosphere for me. The scent of Sandalwood was a godsend for me when I began to have tailbone spasms during labor.

Eventually, I needed an emergency C/S at 3:00 AM on Monday morning. This was terrifying for me, as, as I said, I fear medical procedures. I was in tears pleading to her that I didn’t think I would be able to do it. Kristin held my hand, looked me in the eyes with genuine concern for me, and reassured me I could. After my C/S was successful and I had a beautiful little boy, Kristin was once again at my side in the recovery room, bringing me juice because I was dizzy and caring for me like I believe one would a good friend or family member.

I remember grabbing her hand at that point with tears in my eyes of appreciation and gratitude, telling her I could not have gotten through this experience without her. Later on, another nurse brought me the ultrasound of my baby that I had been holding for strength during labor, which I must have dropped at some point while on the stretcher. Kristin found it and made sure it was returned to me. I felt I needed to do something for her after the birth of my son because her support stands out to me as vital to my well-being during one of the hardest times of my life.

Her care of me in this time of distress was I believe an excellent example of the things that may seem so little, but matter so much. The look in her eyes, the way she listened and cared. These behaviors are the hallmarks of good care in the nursing profession I believe, at least as important as the science of nursing. If all nurses were like Kristin, our hospitals would be such a warm place. She leads an excellent example and I hope she is recognized for her authenticity in the workplace and great skill.