First and foremost, my job as a labor and delivery nurse means that I advocate for patients and their families to ensure that the birth experience is what they envisioned. I make sure that moms and babies are safe, healthy and happy in an environment that makes them feel comfortable.
When patients first come into the BirthPlace, I sit down with them, and we talk about what is important to them. As long as their desires are safe and appropriate, I work hard to provide the experience they want. Different kinds of requests can include: no epidurals, dim lighting and not a lot of people in the room. After babies are born, I put them on their mothers' chests to help with immediate bonding. I love that part. I ensure that the infants are stable by taking multiple sets of vital signs and monitoring their transition from the womb to the real world. I also need to make sure that moms' vital signs and bleeding are stable and within normal limits, and I intervene if necessary. After a few hours of this careful observation, I assist the new moms to the bathroom. I make sure they are steady on their feet and that their pain is under control so they can move over to the postpartum unit.
I attended the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and received my bachelor's in biology and psychology. Many of the classes I took were also required for nursing school. I then went to the University of Maryland School of Nursing, where I received my Bachelor of Science in nursing. After graduating from nursing school, I took the NCLEX, which is the nationwide test required for someone to work as a registered nurse.
I've wanted to be a nurse who works with babies for as long as I can remember. My mother works in the administration office of one of the obstetrics and gynecology groups whose patients deliver at Sinai, so I've been hearing the wonderful stories my whole life. When I was 16, I was very lucky to see a delivery, and I never looked back. During high school, I did all of my community service hours in the nursery at Sinai.
Saying hello and bringing a new life into the world is the best! I like being in the room during my patients' happiest moments. When I see new parents burst into tears because they are so happy, the feeling is incredible. I also like encouraging my patients through the whole process. Many of my patients keep in touch as their children grow up. I have lots of pictures and families come back to visit! My co-workers are great, and I like that it's a dynamic place where I meet a lot of new people.
[About] 99 percent of the time, labor and delivery is the happiest place in the world. However, despite the best medical care possible, if things don't go as planned, it is heartbreaking. Also, it's hard to watch when a mom is not supported by her family, so that's when I try to fill the void with lots of reassurance and encouragement.