Thokozani Armstrong
June 2019
Thokozani
Armstrong
,
RN-C MSN
Labor and Delivery
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Fort Hood
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

I came into labor and delivery anxious and in tremendous pain from contractions. Although this wasn't my 1st pregnancy I was extremely nervous this time as I'm now 38 years old. As soon as Thokozani introduced herself I asked for an epidural. She informed me that because she's still waiting for my blood test results, I'd have to wait at least 45 mins. I really didn't believe I could last another 15 mins without an epidural but as soon as I got my next contraction, Thokozani got my attention calmly. With seriousness and kindness in her eyes, she told me to look at her, that I can do it, breath, relax my body, relax my eyes, relax my lips, relax my shoulders, relax my hands. She made me focus on her and walked me through my contractions and made it easier for me to deal with the pain. She made me feel she truly cared about me and my baby and my well-being. She believed I can do it even when I didn't have faith in my own self.
Thokozani's confidence and kindness are truly what made my delivery go as smoothly and easily as it did. I found myself telling my family and friends what an amazing nurse I had and if it wasn't for her it would've been so much harder for me. Thokozani not only was caring but was also knowledgeable. She thoroughly explained what was going on every step of the way and put me at ease. Thokozani went above and beyond her role as a nurse. She's the best nurse I've had to take care of me. Thank you from my family.