We were lucky enough to have Sam as our nurse for the majority of my admission following the C-section delivery of my first baby. As a nurse myself, I immediately recognized Sam’s expert level of clinical expertise, but I was truly impressed to learn that she was also a certified lactation consultant. What a gift to her patients and a testament to her passion and dedication to holistically caring for both mothers and babies. 

When I recall a particular moment with Sam during my admission, I think of the quote from Isabel Hampton Robb: “Nurses are trusted with the most precious thing on earth: the life, health, and happiness of other human beings.” 

My husband and I limited visitors to the hospital, both because of respiratory virus season and to allow us the time and space to bond with our daughter. My very best friend was one of the few visitors who came to see me one afternoon. My milk had come in overnight, and I was struggling with oversupply, which was causing challenges for breastfeeding and discomfort due to engorgement. 

Sam came in and sat with us. She quietly and gently helped with nursing and massaging painful, clogged milk ducts while I filled my cup with a visit from my best friend. As I recall, this was toward the end of her shift, and I know she certainly could have used the time to chart and wrap up for the day. However, the support she gave me allowed me to have this priceless visit. It is a memory I will always cherish. 

I hope to pay forward the sincere kindness that Sam showed me. In my own career and nursing journey, I’ve been asked many times, “What is a nurse?” I would now answer with this story about Sam.

Nominated by Emily Comstock