Elizabeth Balistreri
November 2012
Elizabeth
Balistreri
,
RN
L & D
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Anchorage
,
AK
United States

 

 

 

My husband and I came in to Providence on August 25 because I was very concerned that I hadn't had any fetal movement in a few hours and I felt something was wrong. We were in Ob Triage for a few hours until about 11:00 pm and the call was made to deliver our baby via C-section at about 3:00 am. That is when I met Elizabeth.

From the moment we met her she was extremely comforting. My husband and I were VERY worried something was wrong with the baby, she had failed the biophysical profile, and needless to say I was a wreck. It is so hard for me to put into words how Elizabeth immediately calmed me down. She is a very gentle soul....She got me all situated in a room as we had to wait a few hours until 3:00am. The way she spoke to us, explained everything, and was always making sure I was comfortable. She even made me laugh. This was not our first baby, we have 2 other little girls, but I had unfortunately had 3 miscarriages. I had horrible thoughts going through my head, and Elizabeth just made everything OK. The way she explained things to us was great... My husband is a firefighter and an EMT and had a lot of questions- Elizabeth thoroughly explained things and made sure we both understood.

I don't need to tell you my entire medical history as it is long and complicated, but in my mind I have been through a lot- I had a brain tumor removed in Seattle about 9 years ago and have dealt with many nurses and doctors..... Elizabeth was different and will always stand out to us.

When it was time to go to the operating room they would not allow my husband to go with me until my spinal tap was done and I was already on the table. Elizabeth knew how scared I was of operating rooms and held my hand as we walked through the door. She helped me climb on the table. She held my hands as I got my spinal and talked to me to calm me down.... She stayed by my side until Matt could join me. I can not tell you how this comforted me and my husband as he has been through EVERYTHING with me and understands how freaked out I get in the OR. Not to mention we were scared to death something might be wrong with the baby....

Our sweet little baby girl was born at 3:43 am and was perfect. As I lay in recovery Elizabeth was there by my side. She took me up to my room...then she drug my big suitcase up to us, and she got to see the baby :-)

I realize that my "story" doesn't seem that bad or scary, but to us it was. My point in all of this was Elizabeth WAS AMAZING. She truly helped me get through that night. I need her to know she is a fantastic nurse and how I will never forget her. She cared, and I felt it. I don't know if she even remembers us, and it's ok if she doesn't, but Ill always remember her. Providence is so lucky to have a nurse like Elizabeth....

My family is amazing and is finally complete. All 3 of my little girls were born at Prov. I had such amazing care....Thank you.