Victoria Paschke, BSN, RN

As a first-time mom over 40, I truly believed I had everything under control-right up until those contractions hit. I came into the hospital on Black Friday of 2024, overwhelmed, unmedicated, and suddenly unsure of everything I thought I was prepared for. I’m fairly certain Vicky’s shift was close to ending when I arrived, but she never once made me feel like I was an interruption or an extra task at the end of a long day. Instead, she became the calm in the chaos.

From the moment I walked in, Vicky was fully present. She helped me breathe through intense unmedicated contractions, grounding me at a time when I felt like I was floating away from myself. She immediately began calling for the anesthesiologist the second I arrived- advocating for me before I even had the words to ask for what I needed. Without her guidance, support, and steady reassurance, I truly don't believe my labor would have gone as smoothly or that I would have felt as confident and capable. My husband was great, but Vicky was better!

What makes Vicky even more exceptional is that her care didn't end when her shift did. The next day, she came to check in on me not out of obligation, but out of genuine compassion. She shared her own story with me, her journey from a male-dominated industry, her personal experiences at home that fueled her determination to pursue nursing, and her passion for supporting women during one of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of their lives. Her presence was comforting, empowering, and deeply human.

Today, my son is 15+ months old, healthy, growing, and thriving, and I know Vicky played a significant role in that. She supported me during a life-defining experience and gave me strength when I didn't know what I needed. I am forever grateful for her kindness, her skill, and her heart. Vicky embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for. She deserves this recognition and so much more!