SpringfieldNewsSun.com

After years of caring for new mothers, Kathy Hawk has never let herself forget how exiting, scary and challenging those first days of motherhood can be. Kat works the night shift on The Family Birthing Center at Good Samaritan Hospital. After the challenging birth of my daughter, I became sick with a high fever. Kat was meticulous in monitoring my condition and making sure I was comfortable and followed doctor’s orders. Every night, she stayed with me to do my breathing exercises to prevent fluid buildup and commended me on the slightest progress. When I was on a liquid diet (and starving), Kat brought me a special soup that she made in the kitchenette to hold me over until I could eat solid foods again. When my room became too hot from an overzealous thermostat, she had the maintenance team fix the problem immediately. Aside from the excellent clinical care, Kat went above and beyond in helping me adjust to motherhood and learn about caring for a newborn. When it was time to nurse my baby, Kat took time to show and teach me techniques and share her personal experiences and lessons learned from raising her own kids. She patiently answered all my questions, always putting me at ease and cheering me on when I needed extra encouragement. In those early hours and days, she helped me regain my strength and most importantly, confidence in my skills as a new mother. And then, after working a busy 12-hour shift, she’d always take the time to stop in to say goodbye and let me know who my day nurse was. During my entire stay, Kat’s care, thoughtfulness, friendship and bright smile made all the difference – she is truly one very special nurse.
Nominated by Michelle Zendah