Crystal was my nurse overnight during my prolonged labor that spanned 48 hours in the hospital. I have nothing but amazing things to say about the care and support she provided me and my husband. My birth plan was to be unmedicated during labor and Crystal did an exceptional job of coaching me through difficult contractions while also providing a calm and joyful environment with her infectious laugh and thoughtful nursing interventions. She was able to marry compassion with expert care and advocated for my preferences and needs multiple times over the course of the two nights she cared for me. As a type 1 diabetic for over 20 years, it was very important to me to manage my diabetes and remain on my insulin pump and sensor throughout labor; Crystal was unbelievably supportive and flexible with this request and worked hard with my entire medical team to create a care plan that kept me safe while also giving me the ability to remain in the driver’s seat with my chronic illness. It was such a blessing to have a nurse who was willing to listen, empathize and work beyond standard practices to prioritize my preferences for my health and birth plan. My labor was an extremely exhausting ordeal that required medical interventions for pain and labor progression that I had initially been wanting to avoid, yet with Crystal’s continued focus on my emotional and physical well-being I was able to still have a birth experience that aligned with what I wanted. She made me feel seen and acknowledge when it seemed every hour brought a new challenge or difficult decision that changed the trajectory of what we had initially envisioned for the birth of our daughter. As my labor failed to progress on my second night due to an infection and thus decreased doses of Pitocin being given, the need for a C-section seemed inevitable. It was thanks to Crystal’s critical thinking and advocacy all the way up to the attending doctor that gave me the time and the opportunity to progress with increased doses of Pitocin and position changes and would allow me the ability to deliver vaginally that next morning. Crystal never faltered in her kindness, positive energy, or encouragement and my husband and I were so impressed not only by her demeanor but her intellect and unwavering dedication to compassionate and patient first care. She is easily deserving of The DAISY Award, and I hope she knows how much of an impact she had on the health of myself, our baby girl, and our positive birth experience at Meriter Hospital. Thank you for being such a bright light as we waited to welcome our “sunshine baby.” You are an exceptional nurse, and I am forever grateful that you were our nurse.