The excitement, hope, and joyful anticipation Patricia Bery felt during her first pregnancy was quickly overshadowed when she learned her daughter’s kidneys weren’t developing properly.
As a Black woman, she carried a fear many patients know too well: Will I be heard? Will I be cared for? Am I going to be treated differently because of my race?
In the most vulnerable moment of her life, Patricia was surrounded by clinicians delivering devastating news about her baby, who then promptly left the room. Perinatal nurse navigator Laurie Van Damme, RNC-OB, CPLC, sat in the silence while Patricia cried, answered her questions, and brought comfort in small, but meaningful ways.
Through appointments, fear, and a traumatic car accident later in Patricia’s pregnancy, Laurie became a constant presence and an advocate. She was “a source of truth and trust in a system that doesn’t always earn it.”
Years later, Laurie’s impact lives on in Patricia’s family. From newborn photos to late-night check-ins, Laurie remained part of Patricia’s life. And when Patricia welcomed her second daughter, she decided to name her after someone she wants her daughters to embody – Laurie.
“It wasn’t just the name. I was honoring the person. I want my child to make someone else feel the same way this lady has made me feel.”
This isn’t the first time a patient of Laurie’s named their baby after her. Years ago, as a labor and delivery nurse, Laurie cared for a woman battling homelessness and addiction. The patient came in to give birth without the support of family or friends, so Laurie stayed after her shift to fill that role. Baby Laurie Sue was born soon after and placed for adoption. Laurie keeps a photo of Laurie Sue in her office as a reminder of her role as a nurse.
“Everyone wants to do better. Everyone wants to make the right decisions. Some of us have more support and more resources than others. Her photo stays as a reminder of those moments and of that family, but also to keep me centered and humble and present for my patients.”
How has a nurse impacted your life? Share your story at ThePowerOfNurses.org.
