Mary L. Reicks
March 2026
Mary L.
Reicks
,
RN, RNC-LRN
NICU
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester
,
MN
United States
Mary’s compassion in both moments, the delivery room nine years earlier and again with my daughter’s birth, is something I will never forget.
I was 34 weeks pregnant with my third child when I woke up with bleeding that landed me in Labor & Delivery. Two days later, I delivered my daughter at 35 weeks.
Nine years earlier, I had endured a traumatic delivery with my second child, K. At just 32 weeks, I delivered him by emergency ALPHA C-section while septic. My son was very sick, and though much of that day is a blur, the trauma and fear have always stayed with me. So, walking into Labor & Delivery early again, I carried a lot of hidden fear and anxiety.
As a nurse walked me back to the OR, I passed the very room where I had been with K. My heart began racing, and by the time I sat at the table, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. The nurse who was with me seemed caught off guard by my emotions, but Mary stepped in (although I didn't see her face with her mask on). She dropped what she was doing, came to stand right in front of me, and calmly told everyone that I needed a moment.
She explained to the others in the room that I had a past traumatic birth. She reassured me that my fears were valid and understood. In that overwhelming moment, Mary gave me the compassion and safety I desperately needed.
A few days later, while my daughter was in the NICU, Mary appeared again. She was not E's nurse that day, but she came to cover a break and then quietly shared that she had wanted to see my son. My family happened to be visiting that day. She remembered K’s birth, how critically ill he was, and how worried the team had been for his survival. She said she often thought of him and couldn’t believe how healthy and grown he was. She just had to see him with her own eyes.
Mary’s compassion in both moments, the delivery room nine years earlier and again with my daughter’s birth, is something I will never forget. She recognized my unspoken fears, gave me comfort when I needed it most, and showed genuine care that went far beyond her duties. She turned one of the scariest times of my life into a moment of reassurance and connection.
Mary embodies what nursing is meant to be: compassion, presence, and a heart for her patients and families. Her kindness will stay with me forever. Mary is truly a DAISY Nurse, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Nine years earlier, I had endured a traumatic delivery with my second child, K. At just 32 weeks, I delivered him by emergency ALPHA C-section while septic. My son was very sick, and though much of that day is a blur, the trauma and fear have always stayed with me. So, walking into Labor & Delivery early again, I carried a lot of hidden fear and anxiety.
As a nurse walked me back to the OR, I passed the very room where I had been with K. My heart began racing, and by the time I sat at the table, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. The nurse who was with me seemed caught off guard by my emotions, but Mary stepped in (although I didn't see her face with her mask on). She dropped what she was doing, came to stand right in front of me, and calmly told everyone that I needed a moment.
She explained to the others in the room that I had a past traumatic birth. She reassured me that my fears were valid and understood. In that overwhelming moment, Mary gave me the compassion and safety I desperately needed.
A few days later, while my daughter was in the NICU, Mary appeared again. She was not E's nurse that day, but she came to cover a break and then quietly shared that she had wanted to see my son. My family happened to be visiting that day. She remembered K’s birth, how critically ill he was, and how worried the team had been for his survival. She said she often thought of him and couldn’t believe how healthy and grown he was. She just had to see him with her own eyes.
Mary’s compassion in both moments, the delivery room nine years earlier and again with my daughter’s birth, is something I will never forget. She recognized my unspoken fears, gave me comfort when I needed it most, and showed genuine care that went far beyond her duties. She turned one of the scariest times of my life into a moment of reassurance and connection.
Mary embodies what nursing is meant to be: compassion, presence, and a heart for her patients and families. Her kindness will stay with me forever. Mary is truly a DAISY Nurse, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.