August 2026 Honoree
Karen Romano, CRNA
I had a very traumatic emergency C-section for my first child, and for my second child I had a planned C-section. For my second C-section, CRNA Karen Romano was giving me a very informative breakdown of what to expect, and I disclosed to her how much anxiety and fear I had due to previous experiences. Throughout the entire C-section, she was absolutely amazing. She was completely transparent, told me what was going on and why throughout the entire process to keep me calm.
After giving me my medication in my back, my blood pressure significantly dropped, and I had an immediate anxiety attack. CRNA Romano immediately took action and kept me calm by explaining to me what was happening and why, and immediately brought my blood pressure back up after giving me some medications. At no point was I left in the dark, and she never made me feel stupid for asking or annoyed. She was so genuine and obviously cared. Even after she went into detail as to why it happened, etc.
During and after my anxiety attack, she recalled details I disclosed to her and reassured me she would not do the same to me. For example, the first time I shook so much that the nurse literally strapped my wrists down to the table and didn’t tell me why he did it, how long he would keep me strapped down, etc. CRNA Romano not only validated my feelings / genuinely believed me, but also reassured me she wouldn't strap me down and continued to explain everyone’s role and what was happening. I calmed down immediately because of her. I remember crying on the operating table because I was so thankful to have her there. I even joked (but was actually serious) that I would’ve rather had her there than my loved ones at that time. She truly made that much of a difference for me during my C-section. She was outstanding.
Being able to explain everyone’s role and create such a positive environment during such a chaotic situation is a truly rare skill. I have never, during any doctor visit/labor and delivery appt/ emergency department visit, felt that seen, heard, respected, and cared for as I did by CRNA Romano during my C-section. She made this experience for me so much better, and I truly feel that a part of my trauma from my first experience has healed thanks to her. I will never forget that and will be forever grateful.
After giving me my medication in my back, my blood pressure significantly dropped, and I had an immediate anxiety attack. CRNA Romano immediately took action and kept me calm by explaining to me what was happening and why, and immediately brought my blood pressure back up after giving me some medications. At no point was I left in the dark, and she never made me feel stupid for asking or annoyed. She was so genuine and obviously cared. Even after she went into detail as to why it happened, etc.
During and after my anxiety attack, she recalled details I disclosed to her and reassured me she would not do the same to me. For example, the first time I shook so much that the nurse literally strapped my wrists down to the table and didn’t tell me why he did it, how long he would keep me strapped down, etc. CRNA Romano not only validated my feelings / genuinely believed me, but also reassured me she wouldn't strap me down and continued to explain everyone’s role and what was happening. I calmed down immediately because of her. I remember crying on the operating table because I was so thankful to have her there. I even joked (but was actually serious) that I would’ve rather had her there than my loved ones at that time. She truly made that much of a difference for me during my C-section. She was outstanding.
Being able to explain everyone’s role and create such a positive environment during such a chaotic situation is a truly rare skill. I have never, during any doctor visit/labor and delivery appt/ emergency department visit, felt that seen, heard, respected, and cared for as I did by CRNA Romano during my C-section. She made this experience for me so much better, and I truly feel that a part of my trauma from my first experience has healed thanks to her. I will never forget that and will be forever grateful.
Thank you, Karen, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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