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The first-ever DAISY Team Award recently went to a duo of nurses who birthed a baby just inches from the floor. A team member shared her story of an intense (and quick!) delivery where she relied on Carrie Barker, RN, and Rebekah Burrough, RN, of The Women’s Place, to safely deliver her daughter. The full nomination is below.

“I was admitted for an induction in 2017 (forgive me for being so late sending this to you – at home with four children now doesn’t give me much downtime). I have delivered all of my babies here at UVA because of the comfort in knowing that there are capable hands to resuscitate my baby and a NICU, if needed.

“My nurses were Carrie Barker, and her orientee, Bekah Burrough. They both treated me like royalty as they tended to my medical needs. They seemed as if they could not do enough for me to keep me comfortable and happy. I have a bit of a loud family who was present, and I really appreciated that they gave me a code – to ask for lemonade – if I wanted them to send family away so I wouldn’t have to be the bad guy.

“I labored without any pain medication, and Carrie was highly-skilled in non-pharmacologic pain relief such as massaging my back and legs as the pain became worse. She showed me different positions to labor in and potential positions to birth in, which I didn’t even know was an option here at UVA. She was highly engaged and dedicated to this process.

“After I ruptured, I progressed extremely quickly, and when I tried to get into bed from walking around, I told Carrie and Bekah that the baby was coming now. I was leaning against the bed but unable to pull myself up as I was grabbing onto the siderail with only the top half of me on the bed. It happened so fast, in a matter of seconds, but Carrie thought faster, cutting off my underwear with utility scissors and delivering my baby’s head.

“I was sideways and hanging off the bed when I delivered, and my baby could have fallen the distance of the bed to the floor. Carrie’s anticipation and reflexive actions may have prevented a sentinel event by preventing a severe head injury to my baby girl. The OB resident and attending came into the room when the baby was almost completely delivered. I so appreciate Carrie and Bekah for this phenomenal experience as our family welcomed one of our most precious gifts.

“I have shared this with others and now encourage my expecting friends to deliver at UVA not only for the NICU team, but for the excellent nursing care in The Women’s Place. I am so grateful for nurses like Carrie and Bekah. They truly make the difference.”

Nomination edited for clarity.

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The Professional Nursing Staff Organization honors up to two UVA RNs each month with a DAISY Award. Nominations may be submitted by patients, patient families, visitors, and fellow UVA team members. Learn more at uvadaisy.com.