Around 32 weeks of pregnancy, I had developed gestational hypertension. After a routine appointment, my OB sent me to Labor and Delivery at Mercy West. This was my very first encounter with Rubija Dupanovic. It did not take long for my husband and me to realize how gifted she was. With all the unknowns, my anxiety was incredibly high. Ruby's calming reassurance was everything. Without creating any additional overwhelm, she laid out the potential plans of action and helped me understand and come to terms with the fact that my condition was in no way my fault. She chose to take intentional time to sit at my bedside when she could have easily rushed away. Every step of this first visit, she explained with genuine care and detail. I was luckily discharged that day-- though my husband and I later commented, "We hope she can be with us when we deliver our little girl." Between 32 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, I was sent back to Labor and Delivery three additional times. Although we were treated wonderfully by each of the nurses we came into contact with during these visits, no one ever quite compared to Ruby.

A day shy of 37 weeks, I was admitted, with the plan of induction the following day. To our delight, Ruby was on shift! It felt like an incredible blessing from God. She shared just how proud she was of me for making it to 37 weeks despite all of the challenges I faced during my final trimester of pregnancy. Her regard for us made us feel like royalty.

Ruby was the charge nurse on the day of my delivery. She made certain that all of my nurses were fully up to speed on my situation. When things intensified and got a little scary during the final parts of labor, Ruby was like a maestro. My husband and I knew with Ruby by our sides, everything was going to be okay. Her calm, cool, collected coaching was a key ingredient to the safe and successful delivery of our baby.

One would think that's where Ruby's care and dedication would end, but it was far from it. Other small but incredibly meaningful things Ruby did were as follows: careful consideration of where to place my IV so it would be comfortable for holding a baby post-delivery; bringing me a cupcake to celebrate my birthday (My baby and I share a birthday); making sure the footprints were perfect for our baby book; and taking additional time to help with the first feedings at the end her shift.

Across both sides of my husband's and my families, we have many who serve in healthcare. Therefore, we are well aware of the challenges and sacrifices nurses make day in and day out, with little recognition or thanks in return. Anyone who has the opportunity to be cared for by her will be treated with the highest standard of care and comfort. I pray that any of my future family and friends who have babies can be treated the way we were by her.