I was a young army wife, only 24, when my husband and I became pregnant with our first daughter. My husband and I struggled with infertility for over a year before we were blessed with our pregnancy. Our pregnancy has had many road bumps, but we were constantly in awe of the life we created.

As an added stress to our pregnancy, my husband was constantly away from home due to military training. My family was thousands of miles away and had no way of getting to me by the time I went into labor. It was three challenging days of labor where I couldn’t sleep much, ate and drank little. My coping mechanisms were completely gone by the time I was formally admitted to the hospital.

My anxiety was severe, and I was terrified of giving birth. Andrea was our labor nurse, and she went above and beyond for us. She calmed me down, explained and re-explained labor processes, and advocated for me. She reassured me that my epidural was working countless times and was honest about every situation that I faced. She pushed with me for two hours and was by my side during my C-section.

She never shamed me for my emotions, never pressured me to do anything, and answered all my questions. She worked hard all night long, taking care of me, my daughter, and my husband. She came to visit me after the birth of my first and second daughters; her visits helped me process the birth and move on to the next chapter of motherhood. I am a PICU RN myself, and her care inspired me to become a better nurse.

I’m so grateful for her care! She is the definition of a DAISY nurse. Andrea was the inspiration for our second daughter’s name.

Thank you, Andrea! You’re an amazing nurse!