I would like to nominate Nurse Max from Labor and Delivery for the DAISY Award. I had a minimal risk, completely unremarkable pregnancy up until labor - I had a premature rupture of the membrane and several other complications (preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis, sepsis, and postpartum hemorrhaging).  Although most of my stay seems like a blur with the meds and complications, below are some things I remember.

One small thing that I thought was so sweet…The start of his shift was an hour or so after my baby was born, and I was in rough shape with the complications. I remember not having much to eat and drink, and I was sick of the juices and frozen treats, so he went and bought me some fresh fruit, which was so kind. I also had a catheter, and the bag overflowed at one point. I felt so bad he had to clean it all up, and I was apologizing to him. Now, I realize it is his job to clean it, but he did it all with a smile on his face and made me feel not bad about it at all. 

Max offered me a listening ear regarding my emotional struggle with not being there for my newborn. With my complications, I did not do the first hour of skin-to-skin or early breastfeeding. Truthfully, I do not think I interacted with her much my first day at all. I felt like I was being a terrible mother right from the start because I could not even care for her right away (thanks, I am sure to postpartum hormones, lol!). Max (along with my Dr.) listened to this and stood beside me while I got teary-eyed. They reassured me of my important recovery and that I will have many years of bonding with our baby girl. I REALLY appreciated this conversation, and it helped me feel more at ease. 

Max also would often stop to see my little girl in her bassinet, and he was always sure to make some sweet comment about how cute she was, her rockstar status, how well she was doing, etc.… Again, all things that made me feel great and at ease as the patient. 

Last, I remember how quickly and calmly Max managed the events of the day. I did not really realize the severity of my complications until the next day, when more than one doctor from the day before mentioned things like “you really gave us a scare yesterday” or “I was really concerned about your progress.” I remember asking Max several questions about what was happening to me, and I would not say he downplayed it at all, but he would just answer my questions calmly, and I think with just enough information that I was comfortable with the answer but didn’t panic. It was also fairly matter-of-fact - like when they suspected sepsis, Max was the one to tell me this instead of a doctor. He simply said they wanted to do a full blood panel to evaluate a potential sepsis infection. It just seemed like the next natural step in the process was to continue my treatment; there was no need to be worried. As I look back, I really appreciate the way he managed the events as to not worry me (or my husband, who was also there and worried throughout all of this!). 

Aside from Max, I want to share that I had positive experiences with everyone during my stay (nurses, doctors, administration, etc). There are hospitals closer to where I live that would have been options for birthing, but I am so glad I chose Tampa General!