As an employee safety representative within my own clinic, I acknowledge the amount of paperwork and documentation that follows a workplace injury. Within my clinic, not many employee injuries are the result of extraordinary life-saving circumstances.

Karen at Evans Army Community Hospital, Fort Carson, was the lead nurse for my labor and delivery. I felt supported under her care, and during the final stages, shoulder dystocia was noted, and the delivery team had to act fast. This required Karen to reposition her body almost over the top of the bed, and from this swift action, she aggravated an existing injury.

The assistance was so fast, and my baby was delivered without any long-term complications. I was not even aware Karen was injured until several minutes later, when everything calmed down regarding my baby’s health. When Karen returned from her own evaluation to further assist me, she apologized for having to step out to care for her own injury. She acted selflessly and reacted based on her clinical instincts without hesitation.