A normally beautiful moment, bringing a baby into the world, became life-threatening in the operating room. The newborn was healthy, but the new mother was losing a lot of blood.

Jamie Eagan, RN, a member of the labor and delivery team at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) was rushing in and out of the OR to bring supplies in and help out any way she could.

“Jamie is a nurse you want by your side when something is happening on the unit,” says her nominator. “She has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to excel in any situation.”

Thankfully, the mother was stabilized. But she was also intubated. Eagan stayed with the mother to ensure the newborn could still experience skin-to-skin contact with her. This was critical, helping regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing while promoting bonding, even as the mother remained sedated.

The mother was transferred to University of Vermont Medical Center for a higher level of care and fully recovered. Her nominator points out that this is one of many examples she has witnessed Eagan providing compassionate care to patients.

"She is always willing to lend a hand, cheer up a new mom or hold the hand of a mother-to-be when they think they can’t do this anymore. Jamie is an Extraordinary Nurse to her patients and an extraordinary person in general."