Over the course of 10 years and a Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis, I’ve been no stranger to the medical system. I’ve learned to take a proactive role in my own health, often advocating for myself and seeking in-depth explanations of procedures or medications. Max is the first medical professional I’ve encountered who took care of both of those things for me, without asking.

Due to my high-risk pregnancy, I needed to receive Non-Stress Tests daily in the AOC. Throughout my first pregnancy and this one, I’ve had this test numerous times, but I was never really offered specific details as to what we were looking for in a “passing” test. Before the first test, Max drew out the test for me on the room's whiteboard, without me even prompting. He sketched the wave pattern and described the 15x15 pattern that we were looking for based on my criteria. Knowing what we were trying to find in the data not only calmed my nerves but also made me a more proactive patient during later tests throughout the week.

He also became my biggest advocate. I lean into the saying “you don’t know what you don’t know.” I typically spend a lot of time researching my conditions and procedures, but this hospital admission was so unexpected for me that I truly knew nothing about what was happening to me. Max made it a point to let me know what the path forward might look like, add perspective to my preeclampsia diagnosis based on working with other pregnant women, or suggested things I might want to ask the doctors about when they rounded. This insight was invaluable and helped me navigate the unknown.

Notably, he knew I was worried about a potential NICU stay. When it looked like the NICU consultation was going to be pushed to later in the week, Max followed up with them and got the doctor to meet with me on the originally scheduled day.

Across my almost week-long stay in the unit, there were several small gestures that Max made that truly made a difference in my mindset and made me feel more human than patient. On the first morning of my stay, he asked me my preferred name, wrote it down on the board, and continued to call me that throughout the week. I can’t recall a single experience where I’ve ever been asked, let alone called, the shortened version of my name that I go by at home.

He also made it a point to ask about things I was doing (crafts) and shared interests we had based on a shirt I was wearing. These conversations helped me feel normal despite the internal chaos I was feeling. He also told me he would check on me once I moved over to L&D when he was next scheduled to work. I thought it was a kind gesture, but I never anticipated that he would actually stop by. His visit to L&D was such a bright spot in my day and shows the depth of care for patients.

Finally, I wanted to highlight Max’s teaching abilities. He was paired with a nursing student, over many of the days of my stay (she was also wonderful). My professional job is to develop teaching skills in college professors, so I specifically noticed the way he encouraged and supported her learning. Max struck the perfect balance of offering instruction and letting her try different skills. Based on her initiative, you could tell that she felt comfortable with their pairing and unafraid to make mistakes. I would hear Max praise and support what she did (e.g., wrapping my IV so I could shower or putting on the sensors for the NST) and offer perspective on where he might approach something a bit differently.

I cannot express how grateful I am for having had Max as a nurse during my stay. He not only helped me navigate a scary and unexpected experience but also made sure I felt a sense of agency and support.