I was admitted to the hospital to be induced with my very first baby. I was very nervous and unsure if this was the right decision to make, as I was still a day away from being 40 weeks and had no medical concerns. It was highly recommended, though by my doctor, as he stated, "nothing good ever happens after 40 weeks." I truly valued his opinion, so since that was his recommendation, there I was checking myself into the hospital at 8:00 on a Sunday night to be induced. I was extremely doubtful that this process was going to work for me. I was positive I would be sent home in a day because the induction failed, and I continued to tell my sister that it would send me into some sort of worst-case scenario, and I would have to get an emergency C-section, and how mad I would be if so. My sister assured me that it would not happen, and she was definitely right! Throughout the night, the contraction pain continued to intensify, and the morphine was not helpful one bit. I had been given two rounds of the induction pill and checked for dilation twice. At 5:00 am, I was still only 2 CM but having some intense contractions. Finally, 7 AM rolled around, and my husband told my mom and sister that I was in a lot of pain, and they both headed to the hospital. My mom got there, and I kept expressing to her how bad the pain was, and I really thought I needed more morphine. Suddenly, I felt an immense amount of pressure and told my mom I thought I needed to use the bathroom. Her experience allowed her to know it was most likely baby time! My mom told the nurse I needed to be checked again, so she did and realized the head was already beginning to come out. I was PANICKED!!! My sister, whom I mentioned earlier, entered the room.

My sister, RN, Emily Gleason, was there, and I felt the fear leave my body. I saw confidence in her face. I could tell she knew exactly what to do. She was so calm and began getting things quickly prepped for delivery. She respectfully communicated with the nurses already on shift and asked how she could help. My sister so delicately tried to get my IV placed back as it was ripped out, and did so well under pressure with my rolling veins that ultimately could not even get the needle back in. By wonderful fate, as the baby was about to be delivered, my doctor made it, and he and my sister delivered my perfect baby boy. I know she is my sister, so I most definitely am biased, but I have never had the opportunity to see my sister in action.  I have always been told by several people in our area how great a nurse she is. I believed them, but I just truly didn't understand. When I was so scared to give birth for the first time, and possibly without my doctor, the confidence and bravery in my sister's eyes just made me feel so secure. Beyond that, she also taught me how to care for my body post-birth. Helped me use the bathroom for the first time, shower, and much more, not even on shift. I had many excellent nurses, but my sister was truly a gift from God in that moment, and I will never forget it! She is very deserving of this award for that and many other reasons.