When I was admitted to labor and delivery due to preeclampsia, I was, of course, very scared, especially since this was my first baby. Kelsey was my nurse starting the second day of my induction through delivery and then also my first day postpartum. Kelsey was my biggest cheerleader and advocate. I had originally discussed with my OB (before delivery) that I was potentially going to have an elective cesarean section. Well, once I got to the hospital with urgent issues due to preeclampsia, several of the doctors were just pushing to start and continue an induction. Kelsey stepped up for me several times and advocated for informed discussions with the doctors to ensure I was able to have the safest delivery of my baby, but also honor my preferences. She also took so much time and cared for me to ensure I was always comfortable. On the day I delivered my baby, he was born healthy despite being 4 weeks premature. Shortly after he was born, but after most of the team that helped deliver me had left, Kelsey quickly noticed a change in my baby. She saw that he was turning blue. She acted so quickly and was able to get him oxygen, call for help from other staff, and get the NICU team to return to my room. She saved my baby's life that evening! And her shift was over at that time. I delivered my baby a little after 6 pm. By the time this happened, she was just doing a final check on us before leaving for the night. I completely credit her with saving my baby's life. If she hadn't come in to say goodbye for the night, I don't know if someone would have caught my son's breathing issues in time!! My baby went on to be in the NICU for 12 days after that and was able to come home happy and healthy, thanks to Kelsey!!
The day after he was born, she continued to care for me. I still had an IV with Pitocin and magnesium, but she ensured I was able to go to the NICU to see my son as often as I possibly could (when medically stable, of course). She made sure that even though I didn't get to have my son in the room with me, I was able to constantly check on him and be there for the rounds with his doctors. Finally, after being admitted for 4 days myself, I was getting ready to go home. I called out for a nurse, and Kelsey came to check on me and say hi, even though she wasn't my nurse. During that check, I mentioned to her some small issues I was having, and she checked me, and we learned I had other issues left over from the delivery of my baby. She immediately called doctors down to check on me and ensure I was taken care of, and she wasn't even my assigned nurse at the time! Due to the findings, I ended up needing 2 more days in the hospital for antibiotics. I credit her with saving my life, also! Had she not checked me, I could have potentially gone septic and had severe complications. There are so many more things I could write about Kelsey, but I will just end this - she is the sweetest, most compassionate nurse I have been around (and I'm also a nurse!) I was truly blessed to be cared for by her, and I owe her credit for my son's and my lives! WVU is so lucky and blessed to have Kelsey working for them as such an amazing, caring nurse! I hope that whenever I have another baby, she can be my nurse again!