Nicolle Lake
October 2023
Nicolle
Lake
,
RN
Maternity
Newton Medical Center
Newton
,
NJ
United States

 

 

 

Throughout the entire labor process, her genuine care and empathy were evident. She not only attended to my medical needs but also took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and wishes.
Nurse Nicolle Lake was absolutely amazing when we were at Newton Medical Center. I delivered my son under her care, and I truly believe she is the reason I am able to reflect upon the experience with such fondness. I would be remiss if I didn’t share with NMC what an amazing employee that have in Nicolle. I am thrilled to nominate Nurse Nicolle Lake for the prestigious DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to providing exceptional care during my labor and the birth of my child. Her unwavering compassion, profound skill, and unwavering support truly set her apart as an exemplary healthcare professional deserving of this honor. 

I experienced Prodromal Labor and arrived at Newton Medical Center already having had contractions every 5 minutes for over 40 hours. The day shift nurses were there for the next 11 hours of my contractions, and when Nicolle came on shift at 7 PM, I still hadn’t progressed beyond 3 centimeters dilated; I had barely slept in over 50 hours and was delirious from the pain and exhaustion. From the moment Nicolle came on shift, I felt a distinct change in the atmosphere of the birthing room. While the day shift nurses had been competent and helpful, Nicolle’s presence provided a reassuring sense of comfort and understanding. Throughout the entire labor process, her genuine care and empathy were evident. She not only attended to my medical needs but also took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and wishes. Her ability to balance clinical expertise with emotional support made a significant impact on my overall experience. She advocated for me and did far more than just her job in caring for me, my husband, and our son. 

Nurse Nicolle's commitment to empowering me and my husband with information was truly remarkable. She ensured that we were well-informed about the various aspects of my care, allowing us to make informed decisions that aligned with our values and preferences. This level of partnership and shared decision-making greatly contributed to the positive outcome of the labor and delivery. While I did not succeed in having an intervention-free birth, Nicolle made sure that I was comfortable with the decisions I was making and that I didn’t feel as if interventions were not being forced upon me, which was a fear of mine. She made me understand that by consenting to interventions, I was doing the best possible thing for myself and my child because after 57 hours of contractions with limited progression, I was too exhausted to continue without medical help. Nicolle allowed me to accept the help with grace and dignity. 
 
Beyond her medical prowess, Nicolle's warm and supportive demeanor transformed the hospital room into a space where I felt valued and understood. She went above and beyond her role as a nurse, creating an environment where I felt like more than just a patient – I felt like I had a steadfast friend by my side. Her ability to cultivate such a nurturing atmosphere played a pivotal role in my overall sense of well-being during this transformative journey.

Note: This is Nicolle's 2nd DAISY Award!