In total, we spent a hundred days at Saint John's. Those days tested my strength and spirit. They were some of the most traumatic, yet joyful days of my life. I owe so much to the emergency room, maternity, postpartum and NICU nurses, and I nominate nurse Ronnie Willmott for the DAISY Award and I must set the scene so you understand why.
My stay began when I was 25 weeks pregnant. I had tried for years to have a baby and was over the moon thinking I was finally realizing my dream of becoming a mom. My ob-gyn had discussed delivery options with me and suggested I consider Saint John's. She said I would love the intimate and personalized care and because the hospital was close to my house in Venice, I could get to the there quickly if I had an emergency. Little did I know at the time how critical her suggestion would be.
I was at home alone when my water broke and I did my best to stay calm. I said goodbye to my new puppy and senior dog, jumped in the car and drove myself to the ER at Saint John's. The staff got me right in and the emergency room nurse confirmed my worst fear. I was admitted and told I would not be leaving the hospital before delivering my baby. Just days before my husband I learned we would be having a son.
The next several hours were some of the most frightening of my life. My husband arrived as I was poked with an IV and hooked up to heart monitors. My OB and a perinatal specialist reviewed the ultrasound. I had very little water and the doctors estimated my son weighed a little over a pound. I was given a dose of antibiotics to prevent infection and a round of steroids to expedite my baby's lung development. The doctors warned me that I could go into labor in the next 48 hours. The Doctor from the NICU stopped by my room and explained the gravity of the situation. But the doctors also said there was also a chance my body would hold off and I could be hospitalized for weeks. They said this would depend on a number of factors, including some luck and the right frame of mind to deal with the unknowns I was facing. That's when I met several of the amazing maternity nurses, including Ronnie.
Ronnie was on duty during my first full day at Saint John's. I had never a spent a night in a hospital and had no idea what to expect. Right away Ronnie made me feel safe. She understood I was a patient in a precarious situation. As a small gesture to help my confidence I could go the distance, one of the first things she did was make me a calendar highlighting the key milestones. She taped it to the wall in front of my bed. Ronnie coached me how critical each passing day would be for the development of my baby. At night my husband would "x" off each day and Ronnie would come in with a big smile and compliment my progress and determination. She would often stop by room during her shift and just sit and talk with me. Being confined to my bed, I had some tough days but Ronnie's compassion boosted my spirits. Nearly every day she was my nurse Ronnie also made me a cup of soothing English tea. She didn't have to do that, but she did it anyway and it had such a positive impact on my mindset.
Ronnie also did something else I will always be grateful for. She comforted another loss I was facing the same time I was fighting to stay pregnant. Just before I was hospitalized my 11-year-old dog died suddenly at home. Ronnie who also happens to also love dogs (especially her precious Monty) listened endlessly as I wept in bed about my beloved collie, Bodie. Ronnie helped me through my tears. If you've never loved or lost a dog you might not understand, but Ronnie did and her empathy made such difference. Also, when my doctor allowed my other dog to come and sit by my hospital bed, Ronnie willingly offered during her break to walk her outside while I was stuck in bed. That's a nurse demonstrating extraordinary care.
Three and a half weeks after I arrived at Saint John's I delivered my son. That morning, Ronnie was in recovery making sure I was ok and that my 28-week old preemie was safely off to the NICU. I moved from the maternity wing to postpartum and the NICU and months of interactions with a new legion of outstanding nurses. Even though my time in maternity is over my husband and I still occasionally cross paths with Ronnie either at the hospital or out walking our dogs in Venice and she is the same wonderful Ronnie I met on my first full day at the hospital. Ronnie played a pivotal role in my miracle birth.
Ronnie Willmott symbolizes the standard of care we grew to expect and received during our 100 days at Saint John's. If it were up to me, I would give this award to every nurse who cared for us. Ronnie touched my heart in a way that I will always be grateful for. Thank you, Saint John's, for letting me share my story.