I received beyond exceptional care by the L&D staff at McKay-Dee Hospital while being admitted for the induction of my sweet baby girl. It has taken me quite some time, as my baby is almost 7 months now, to be able to write this. It was quite a traumatic experience and has taken a toll on me in many ways, but I knew for sure I needed to recognize these amazing people.

The great people who cared for me include the anesthesiologist, the laborist, and most importantly, Barb VanDyke and her RN student A that day. I expected to go in for a smooth induction (as I have for my previous 2 children), however, that was not the case this time. From 6 am on, I knew that Barb and I clicked; she was very personable, respectful, inclusive of my husband, and actually cared about me as a patient. I never once felt like this was just her job, and she was doing what she needed to do. I felt like she enjoys her job and genuinely cares for her patients. Everything went smoothly, baby girl got here safe at a whopping 9lb 3oz, about 15 minutes or so after delivery, is when everything got scary.

I don't fully recall every aspect of what happened; all I know is I could not deliver my placenta, it had adhered to my uterine wall (I think), and while my midwife was trying to get it out, I started hemorrhaging. At this moment, it became an emergency, and things escalated very quickly. I know it was getting near the end of Barb's shift, but she never left my side; she and her student stayed on either side of me, holding my hands through this horrific time. I have never felt so scared or out of control in my entire life. Not to mention being a RN myself, I knew what was considered to be "normal" and "not normal" in terms of my symptoms and vital signs meant and i was far from it. There were multiple times I felt myself slipping in and out of consciousness, and I kept telling myself, "Don't fall asleep, don't fall asleep." I was sure that if I had fallen asleep, I would not be waking up the way things were going. And I could not bear the thought of my husband leaving with 3 kids, one being a newborn, and having to do it all alone. She tried comforting me and explaining what was going on while it was happening. I ended up getting 2-3 units of blood transfused by the ICU and stayed an extra night on L&D to be looked after. My care team that day was a godsend, and I am thankful beyond measure for Barb and the others who took care of me that day; my family is also very grateful. Keep up the good work. I will forever feel like you all had a hand in saving my life. Thank you, thank you. I love you all!

I hope Barb continues to take students and show them what nursing is all about and how to truly care for patients. Being personable and asking questions about my family and me, and finding things to relate on made a huge difference in my feeling comfortable with Barb from the beginning. Dr. K also checked on me multiple times, even the next day, to say goodbye and see me one last time before she was off for several days. The impact that McKay Dee L&D staff had on me that day will stay with me forever. It just shows these individuals have a heart separate from their work and care beyond just their job, and it shows. I hope you will recognize Barb and the other caregivers mentioned that day for their outstanding work in caring for me, my baby, and my husband.