My husband and I arrived on a Sunday afternoon at St. Elizabeth's for urgent concerns regarding inappropriate amniotic fluid leakage, infection risk, and non-progressing labor. We were admitted for induction due to these risks. Monday morning, our care nurses were Elizabeth and her nursing student. Due to the previously mentioned complications, the likelihood of success of our initial plan of vaginal birth after c-section became much lower, and my husband and I had mentally resigned to likely having another c-section. This all changed when Elizabeth introduced herself with the sweetest, calmest, and most patient demeanor and reassured us that regardless of the odds, she was confident we could still be successful. Her confidence was unwavering. We decided to play along, not fully believing in her optimism yet, but sure enough, with her positivity, our mental attitude changed, and before we knew it, we were progressing toward a normal delivery. As labor pains became more substantial, Elizabeth was with us through every contraction. She demonstrated and taught my husband how he could better support me and offered more mental reassurance and fortitude than I could've ever expected, including helping me cope with labor pains with visualization and reliance on my spouse. Before we knew it, we were approaching shift change, and [my husband] and I were mentally prepared again for vaginal birth, however, I immediately could recognize the significance of the role Elizabeth played when I began to doubt my abilities at the thought of her not being present in a few short hours. While I couldn't verbalize it to her then, I think she was intuitive enough to understand my concerns, and we began to discuss plans for an epidural. She also reassured me of the amazing care and encouragement I'd receive from my next nurse. She was right about everything, really; we delivered a 10-pound baby vaginally against lots of odds, and I had amazing care during the entire process. Her positivity and faith undoubtedly is what brought our initial goal to fruition. She and so many other nurses here have made this experience a wonderful memory.

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