Nomination #1: 
We had two very tragic events happen less than 6 months apart that affected all of the staff emotionally/ mentally. These events may not ever be experienced in a career, and to have it happen twice in 6 months is almost unheard of. We came together as a unit during and after this event and have helped each other get through this, as well as a counseling session arranged by our management.

For the most part, Labor and Delivery is a joyous place to work, but when we have bad things happen, they are very bad, and most of the world doesn’t know that. We have such great teamwork, and our team seriously needs to be recognized for the work we do every day. We lift each other up and work together for an optimal outcome for our moms and babies. From what I understand, we have the most certified nurses in the hospital and a very high participation in the PEP program, which is an attestation to the quality of care and desire to serve our patients to the highest standard. I would love to see our team recognized for the critical and quality care that we provide and the amazing teamwork that we have.

Nomination #2:
We had two very tragic, rare events last year that left our entire team devastated and with more questions than answers. We all came together as a team and helped each other through this event. We hugged each other, cried together, prayed together, and became a more cohesive team because of it. We also made mementos for the families and helped to guide them through their grief.

Nomination #3:
I wish that I could nominate the entire hospital as a team for this award, as the following scenario opened my eyes to the extraordinary empathy, compassion, and collaboration that exists across our campus. If I had to choose one team, it would be Labor & Delivery for their exceptional response and initial actions. As a former L&D nurse, I wrote the following to help process the emotions and trauma of this experience. I have always felt a deep sense of comfort and belonging working in Labor & Delivery. I find the journey of pregnancy and birth profoundly humbling—the remarkable changes a woman’s body can endure to create and bring new life into the world. I am passionate about empowering mothers because motherhood is both the most challenging and the most rewarding experience I have ever known. It is during this time that women are at their most vulnerable, and it is an absolute privilege to care for them through moments that may become either the best—or the most devastating—days of their lives.

While walking into work one morning almost exactly a year ago, I remember thinking to myself, “Today feels weird.” I couldn’t explain it, but a coworker even leaned over during morning huddle and whispered, “I have a feeling I’m going to regret turning down their offer to cancel my shift today.” It turns out she was exactly where she needed to be. We all were. We were the right team to fight for this patient.

J.E. arrived for a scheduled repeat cesarean section. Her pregnancy had been uncomplicated, with consistent prenatal care throughout. Her medical history was unremarkable, aside from advanced maternal age. Her only complaint was several days of moderate to severe heartburn—something she, like many expectant mothers, attributed to a normal discomfort of pregnancy. Her primary RN brought her to the operating room as planned. The rest of us were caring for other patients or briefly enjoying the new neck pillows gifted for Hospital Week. Suddenly, an overhead announcement called an “OB emergency” to OR 7, and we ran. I will never look at that neck pillow again without seeing her face—a face that transformed in moments from the joy of what should have been one of the happiest days of her life to an unimaginable tragedy. A face that never had the chance to meet her third beautiful daughter or feel her baby’s soft skin against her own.

I was one of the first to respond, feeling her rapidly lose her pulse as the room erupted into action. Without hesitation, everyone moved with purpose as I ran for the code cart. The desperation in that room was palpable—the collective hope that the next compression, the next intervention, or the next whispered prayer would be the one to bring her back to her husband, her daughters, and her family. For more than eight hours, teams across our hospital worked tirelessly to save her life. She was later transferred to the ICU, where she fought for several days before tragically passing away.

Writing this is not easy. Revisiting the emotions and images of that day is painful. Yet, even in the midst of profound loss, I find immense comfort in reflecting on the extraordinary collaboration and teamwork that unfolded. Labor & Delivery, anesthesia, rapid response, NICU, critical care, ECMO, cath lab, ICU, OR, lab, blood bank, postpartum, and nursing administration came together seamlessly with one shared goal—to give her every possible chance. The compassion, coordination, and unwavering dedication demonstrated by every individual involved exemplified the very best of our profession. My hope is that her family finds comfort in one another and strength in sharing memories of her with their baby girl, who survived against incredible odds and is a true little fighter. May they continue to honor her legacy through love, resilience, and remembrance. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of caring for you, J.E. Your story, your strength, and your impact will remain rooted in our hearts until the very last beat.

Nomination #3:
There are some shifts that stay with you forever. Last year, our team faced one of those days. It was sudden, tragic, and unforgettable. But it also became a powerful reminder of the strength, heart, and unity of our hospital community. It started like any other day on Labor & Delivery, until everything changed in an instant. One of our patients, who was pregnant, had a sudden, catastrophic event and went into cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, our OB team jumped into action. CPR was started immediately. During compressions, the team delivered her baby by staying focused and doing everything they could to give both mom and baby a fighting chance. From that point forward, it felt like the entire hospital came together as one. The Rapid Response and code teams, as well as the NICU arrived quickly and took over seamlessly. The nursing supervisor stepped in, helping coordinate care across multiple departments. Women’s Center OR, anesthesia, and eventually ECMO all joined the effort. Every person involved showed up fully with no hesitation, just heart and skill.

From the OR, the patient was taken to the cath lab for further testing. While she was in the cath lab, she began to bleed. Recognizing the urgency, the OB team performed a hysterectomy while the patient was still in the cath lab, which was an extraordinary example of collaboration under pressure. Throughout it all, the chaplain stayed with the family. The OBs made sure the baby’s father was kept informed, and the NICU team stayed by his side, caring for the baby and supporting him through the unknown. Eventually, our patient was transferred to critical care. And even there, the outpouring of care continued.

At one point, the team brought the baby in for skin-to-skin contact with her mother. It was tender, sacred, and utterly heartbreaking for the teams to witness. Despite every heroic effort, she passed away. That loss rocked every person who was part of her care. And yet, what followed was just as powerful. We felt love and care from every corner of our hospital. The dietary team brought snacks and kind words to the floor. Some of the ECMO staff returned later with sandwiches for the L&D team. A group came together to raise money for the baby’s family, using the funds to provide gift cards for meals. Our leadership and risk management team were so supportive and helpful. Even pharmacy and EVS staff members gave extra care and attention that week.

Our staff turned to one another, made space to grieve together, and encouraged each other to use Lyra mental health support. We’re still feeling the impact of that day. Some team members find it difficult to return to that OR. But what grew out of this tragedy was something deeply meaningful: stronger bonds within L&D and across departments. CVICU and L&D may be worlds apart in practice, but on that day, we were united in purpose and heart. We cared equally for that patient, that family, and each other.

The baby is home surrounded by loved ones. She’ll never know the mom who gave her life, but we’ll never forget her. That little girl is now a part of our hospital’s story, not just because of what happened, but because of how we came together to try to save her mom, and how we’ve continued to support each other since. It wasn’t the ending any of us hoped for, but it was a powerful reminder of what makes this place so special. On the hardest of days, we don’t just show up, we show up for each other.