Cora is such a steadfast part of our unit. She is a wonderful nurse, has her RNC-OB, precepts new hires, does relief charge, is on UBC, and picks up extra. We are so lucky to have her. A while ago, she was involved in an obstetrical emergency that resulted in a traumatic C-section birth. For HIPAA, I'll spare the details, but even though there was nothing that Cora (or really any staff member) could have done differently, she noticed herself not being comfortable around C-sections anymore. Instead of avoiding C-sections, or even leaving L&D, Cora immersed herself in them. Every C-section that was scheduled to happen when she worked - she volunteered for. She would even come in on her days off, just to do C-sections. I'm pretty sure almost every baby born in Josephine County for like a year popped out of their mama's belly and saw Cora in that OR. I am so proud of her for taking what scared her, and instead of running away, diving headfirst into it.

Recently, the same obstetrical emergency occurred again while Cora was on shift. And she had to overcome not only the usual terrified feeling that comes when a baby's life is on the line - but also flashbacks to her previous experience. I was not there, but from everyone I talked to, Cora rocked it. She helped that baby get Earthside safely. All the extra time that Cora put in, making C-sections a second nature, making sure her hard memories wouldn't compromise patient care, and becoming one of the best C-section nurses we have. All of that work paid off immeasurably for one family.

But the families don't see everything behind the scenes, hence my nomination. They don't know how many hours and how many tears Cora worked through to become a nurse who could perform so well under pressure. Sorry, this nomination is so sappy, Cora, but I am SO proud of you. You're an inspiration to our unit - not only in patient care but in choosing to grow yourself as a nurse through hard experiences. As I said, we are lucky to have you!