February 2021
Shelly
Blayney
,
BSN, RN
Labor Delivery
AHN - West Penn Hospital
Shelly went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, not only physically but most importantly emotionally.
After 2 years of fertility treatments, IVF, three surgeries to correct a separated uterus, failed IVF resulting in a miscarriage...we were finally pregnant; and the best part was on our own, naturally! We were told we had less than a 1% chance and this is a miracle baby!
My husband and I arrived for our scheduled induction and you couldn't possibly begin to imagine how scared we were. Having already dealt with a history of anxiety, depression, and a miscarriage, our emotional state couldn't handle much more. Our minds and hearts were bracing us for emotional trauma.
As soon as we arrived we were escorted to our room and were told, "You have a good nurse today. Shelly will take good care of you." We found this to be so true of her. Shelly made us, especially me, feel comfortable and at ease. She acknowledged our fears and anxieties and made me feel at ease about my baby and everything my body was about to experience. I never imagined I would feel so comfortable in such a vulnerable position. Shelly made me feel understood, normal, and most of all comfortable.
At the beginning of the day, I felt like a failure since I wasn't able to go into labor on my own. I did not want to be induced but realized it was suggested in the best interest of the baby. After spending time with this nurse I began to feel like this way was better after all. I only wish this nurse could have been with me for the delivery. Her shift ended and I became quite fearful again, especially since I had built up such a strong rapport with her. She made an indelible mark on us and our incredible momentous day.
Shelly is the absolute epitome of what a nurse should be. Shelly went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, not only physically but most importantly emotionally. She poured herself into making sure I had the experience I wanted as I brought my child into this world. She poured herself into my journey probably as much as I did in achieving "mom" status. Her determination to ensure I had a good experience was felt and I most certainly had a good experience because of her! It was not just another day at work for her, but one I will remember forever!
My husband and I arrived for our scheduled induction and you couldn't possibly begin to imagine how scared we were. Having already dealt with a history of anxiety, depression, and a miscarriage, our emotional state couldn't handle much more. Our minds and hearts were bracing us for emotional trauma.
As soon as we arrived we were escorted to our room and were told, "You have a good nurse today. Shelly will take good care of you." We found this to be so true of her. Shelly made us, especially me, feel comfortable and at ease. She acknowledged our fears and anxieties and made me feel at ease about my baby and everything my body was about to experience. I never imagined I would feel so comfortable in such a vulnerable position. Shelly made me feel understood, normal, and most of all comfortable.
At the beginning of the day, I felt like a failure since I wasn't able to go into labor on my own. I did not want to be induced but realized it was suggested in the best interest of the baby. After spending time with this nurse I began to feel like this way was better after all. I only wish this nurse could have been with me for the delivery. Her shift ended and I became quite fearful again, especially since I had built up such a strong rapport with her. She made an indelible mark on us and our incredible momentous day.
Shelly is the absolute epitome of what a nurse should be. Shelly went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, not only physically but most importantly emotionally. She poured herself into making sure I had the experience I wanted as I brought my child into this world. She poured herself into my journey probably as much as I did in achieving "mom" status. Her determination to ensure I had a good experience was felt and I most certainly had a good experience because of her! It was not just another day at work for her, but one I will remember forever!