Jackie Avila
April 2026
Jackie
Avila
,
RN
Birthing Center
Duke University Hospital
Durham
,
NC
United States
Because of Jackie’s rapid assessment, decisive action, and extraordinary humanity, my baby boy was delivered safely and is healthy today
During the most intense, vulnerable, and life-altering experience of my life, my induction and delivery, Nurse Jackie became my anchor. From the moment she assumed my care, I felt an immediate sense of trust and safety. It was evident that she was not only exceptionally skilled but profoundly compassionate, present, and deeply committed to the labor and birth of my first child.
Throughout my admission, Jackie demonstrated remarkable clinical expertise and critical thinking. She was fully invested in my labor, especially in supporting my dilation and progress, thoughtfully and continuously adjusting my plan of care to promote a safe and successful delivery. She never stopped watching, anticipating, or advocating. She was always one step ahead, always focused on my comfort, along with my baby’s and my well-being.
When my baby’s heart rate first dropped, Jackie responded instantly with calm precision. She guided position changes, carefully titrated my medication, and monitored every second with unwavering focus. Unfortunately, my baby’s heart rate dropped again, which displayed that he was in some type of distress and not tolerating the induction. Jackie acted without hesitation, quickly repositioning me and calling for emergency assistance. In those terrifying moments, her decisiveness, confidence, and leadership were nothing short of lifesaving.
As a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to assess and interpret critical clinical situations. But in that moment, I was not a clinician; I was a frightened mother who was praying for her baby to be okay. Jackie recognized my fear and anxiety. She met it with deep compassion, steady reassurance, and a calming presence that carried me through the most overwhelming moments of my life. When my labor turned into an unplanned, urgent cesarean section, she stayed by my side, explaining what was happening, offering comfort, and grounding me amidst the chaos.
Because of Jackie’s rapid assessment, decisive action, and extraordinary humanity, my baby boy was delivered safely and is healthy today. There are no words that adequately express my gratitude. She did far more than provide exceptional nursing care; she gave me strength when I had none and safeguarded the life of my child.
Jackie embodies the very heart of nursing. Her skill, courage, compassion, and dedication represent the absolute best of this profession.
Throughout my admission, Jackie demonstrated remarkable clinical expertise and critical thinking. She was fully invested in my labor, especially in supporting my dilation and progress, thoughtfully and continuously adjusting my plan of care to promote a safe and successful delivery. She never stopped watching, anticipating, or advocating. She was always one step ahead, always focused on my comfort, along with my baby’s and my well-being.
When my baby’s heart rate first dropped, Jackie responded instantly with calm precision. She guided position changes, carefully titrated my medication, and monitored every second with unwavering focus. Unfortunately, my baby’s heart rate dropped again, which displayed that he was in some type of distress and not tolerating the induction. Jackie acted without hesitation, quickly repositioning me and calling for emergency assistance. In those terrifying moments, her decisiveness, confidence, and leadership were nothing short of lifesaving.
As a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, I am trained to assess and interpret critical clinical situations. But in that moment, I was not a clinician; I was a frightened mother who was praying for her baby to be okay. Jackie recognized my fear and anxiety. She met it with deep compassion, steady reassurance, and a calming presence that carried me through the most overwhelming moments of my life. When my labor turned into an unplanned, urgent cesarean section, she stayed by my side, explaining what was happening, offering comfort, and grounding me amidst the chaos.
Because of Jackie’s rapid assessment, decisive action, and extraordinary humanity, my baby boy was delivered safely and is healthy today. There are no words that adequately express my gratitude. She did far more than provide exceptional nursing care; she gave me strength when I had none and safeguarded the life of my child.
Jackie embodies the very heart of nursing. Her skill, courage, compassion, and dedication represent the absolute best of this profession.