Connect

"Compassion, comfort, and strength when it matters most." 

A patient is lauding UVA Health University Medical Center Labor and Delivery nurse Siobhan Adams, BSN, RN, for helping the patient believe she could keep going, when she "was ready to give up."

"After a long and difficult night in labor — I was exhausted, discouraged, and worried. My baby was very active, making it hard to keep the baby on the monitor, and I spent hours feeling 'stuck' in just a couple of positions that worked. I was increasingly anxious about the baby's heart rate decelerations and felt defeated heading into the next phase of labor.

"When Siobhan came in as my day nurse, everything changed!

"She walked in with confidence and positivity at a moment when I needed it most. She truly listened to me — my concerns, my discomfort, my fear — and responded with compassion and action. She suggested, and helped me try, new laboring positions. Those small changes made a huge difference in my comfort and my progress.

"More than that, Siobhan gave me strength when I felt like I had none left. She encouraged me in a way that felt genuine and empowering — helping me believe I could keep going when I was ready to give up. During active labor, she coached me, cheered me on, and stayed fully present — adjusting positions, offering reassurance, and guiding me every step of the way!

"After my baby was born, things quickly became scary when the baby had difficulty breathing and the NICU team rushed in. While they cared for my baby, Siobhan never left my side! She reassured me through my fear, reminding me I had done a good job, my baby was precious, and was in the best hands. Her calm, steady presence grounded me in one of the most overwhelming moments of my life.

"When my baby was taken to the NICU for further monitoring and my spouse went, too, Siobhan stayed with me. It felt like she instinctively knew I shouldn’t be alone. In that moment, she wasn’t just my nurse — she was my support system, my comfort, and my anchor.

"Siobhan had a profound impact on my experience, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. I truly believe my labor and postpartum experience would not have been the same without her. She is not only an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable nurse — she is compassion, comfort, and strength when it matters most.

"I will never forget the care she gave me, and I am forever grateful!"

And now for that support and more — Adams is being honored with a DAISY Award.

Associate Chief Nursing Officer Karin Skeen, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, and Nursing Professional Governance Organization DAISY Award Committee Vice Chair Amelia McNabb, BSN, RN, CRRN, surprised Adams with the award, which is presented twice a month by the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO).

"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses — so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

Know a Fabulous Nurse?

At UVA Health University Medical Center — patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.