December 2019
Mackenzie
Anderson
,
BSN, RNC-OB, CEN
Labor and Delivery
NorthBay Medical Center
Fairfield
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

After nine months of waiting, the day finally arrived. I had met several of the labor and delivery nurses over the past few weeks and was relieved that MacKenzie was the one assigned to me for the delivery. The labor and delivery process went uneventfully. It wasn't until later when I started to have complications. I was rushed to the OR. Looking back on the events, I recognize that I was far from the easiest patient, adding my input where I should have left the staff care for me. However, MacKenzie took my wishes into consideration and supported me the best she could. She recognized that I wanted things to be explained and she helped me understand what was happening, the risks, and issues. Despite a lot of my time in the OR being a blur, I'll never forget MacKenzie leaning over and telling me "you will know when you're in the clear when you no longer see my face." She kept her promise and only left when I was safely back in my room. From my recollection that was 10:30 PM, 3 hours after her shift ended, despite having little children and a husband at home waiting for her.
MacKenzie is the kind of nurse every mother wants to have in her room during labor and delivery. She stayed around long after her shift ended to make sure that her patient was in the clear. MacKenzie talked me through each stage of the process and explained things to me so I'd understand what was happening. While being a challenging patient, she helped me remain calm during one of the most challenging and scariest moments of my life. She showed compassionate care and empathy throughout the entire process. I could tell she truly cared about the outcome of me and my baby.
I have a newfound respect for all nurses but in particular, MacKenzie, whom I'll forever be grateful for. Thank you, MacKenzie, for holding my hand and helping me through one of the most important and scariest days of my life. I don't believe we would have had the same outcome without you. Your compassion, empathy, and attitude helped me get through to the other side and I'm loving motherhood because of you.