I’ve worked with Sam for many years. Time after time she is handed complex patients of hig- acuity and handles her assignment with ease. Recently she took care of a patient who came in at 28 weeks pregnant with a complicated medical history. From the minute this patient arrived on the floor, Sam was making moves stabilizing the patient, coordinating with the doctors and anesthesiology team to make sure this patient was well taken care of, and covering her bases. When the patient started declining rapidly, Sam was at the bedside holding her patient, comforting her, and reassuring her as best she could. She stayed with her patient and stayed active in her care as she was transferred to the ICU and then to the main OR.

Sam was at her side when they delivered her the news that her baby had passed. This story is just one of many that I could tell you about Sam. No matter how critical the patient is, Sam is capable. Although I know these situations weigh heavy on her, Sam is always composed and ready to deliver the best care possible to her patients. She’s a team player, compassionate, and one of the smartest nurses I know. We are so blessed to have her on our team; her patients are lucky to have her and I feel very lucky to have watched her grow as a nurse and to work beside her. I want her to know how appreciated she is.

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Labor and Delivery is usually a unit that revolves around feelings of excitement and joy. Families welcoming their new additions soaking in the warm emotions that come with a new baby. However, most on the outside looking in don’t see the bad days, the hard days. The days that encompass you completely with feelings of sorrow. We had a day like that recently on L&D and I was working with my coworker Sam. Sam is cross-trained to care for intensive care level obstetrical patients. On this particular shift, Sam received a transfer that was incredibly unstable requiring extensive interventions in an attempt to stabilize her before transferring her to an ICU. Sam was diligent and efficient in her care and collaboration with all parties involved. The patient was oriented to most throughout this process and Sam prioritized comforting the patient and ensuring she knew she was not alone. The patient deteriorated quite significantly and it was determined that her fetus had passed. This patient who had endless physical needs now has received news that most completely healthy and stable people do not take well. I watched Sam lean over this patient's bed and hold her as she mourned and provided support to her and her family member by answering questions they had.

Sam followed this patient throughout the rest of her shift even though she didn’t have to. Labor and Delivery is an often very secluded specialty and it can be intimidating to step out into a different field and provide the quality of care that Sam provided to this patient. This is one instance but I can tell you that this is not the first time I have been impressed by the care that she provides. She has an attention to detail that most do not and an ability to function in extremely high stress situations. She is an asset to our unit with her skills and knowledge and she is a true model on how to go above and beyond for the women in our care.