Patient Testimonial: Maternity Nurses Recognized

Watertown, NY — When Tifany Gill arrived at Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children on April 5, 2025, she was nervous for herself and her unborn son. Feelings of distress swarmed her mind; She has experienced the devastating loss of an infant once before. However, upon Tifany’s admittance, Roxane Christopher, RN, was determined to ease her worry.

“Roxy made me feel safe and accepted through the entire process,” Tifany said. “She made the induction enjoyable and encouraged the fun my significant other and I would have as we did laps around the unit to try to speed along the process.”

Roxane wasn’t the only nurse to make an impression. During the overnight shift change, Alexandra Lillie, RN, took over with just as much compassion for Tifany. When it came time to push, there were complications. Tifany’s son was struggling, and his heart rate began to decelerate.

“I started yelling out, ‘Where’s his heartbeat? Why is it so low?’ and as soon as I said that I felt Roxane come in and rub my hand. She and Alex were on either side of me, encouraging me with each push.”

Both nurses stayed by her side until, at last, baby Magnus arrived.

“The team waiting on standby began doing compressions on him, and I started panicking all over again, wailing in a way I’d only ever done when I was told his older brother has passed away, bringing up feelings I’d never wanted to experience again. I felt like I was about to be told another son of mine had died.”

Magnus was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and both nurses stayed with Tifany. With kind words, encouragement, and as many updates on Magnus as they could share, Alexandra and Roxane helped Tifany through the frightening experience.

“While caring for me, Alex told me that nothing that happened was my fault. I had been sobbing since my baby was taken to the NICU. She said that I was one of the strongest women she’d ever seen deliver a baby, and that I should know that,” Tifany said.

After much attention and care, baby Magnus recovered. Now, the whole family is home and doing well. Tifany hasn’t forgotten how her team of nurses made her feel.

“Although they didn’t physically deliver my baby, they made the most traumatic and fearful experience I’ve had in nearly a decade seem like I wasn’t experiencing it without support. Both nurses made me feel like I was safe with their help, and cared for after their job of helping the delivery occur was through. I have had each of my three children at three separate hospitals, with three separate teams, and the nurses that helped me deliver Magnus were the best nurses I could have hoped to have.”

As a way to say thank you, Tifany nominated Alexandra and Roxane for the DAISY Award, which is given to nurses who go above and beyond to provide extraordinary care. They were each chosen as recipients. Samaritan is extremely fortunate to have nurses like Roxane and Alexandra. If you have had exceptional care and would like to nominate a caregiver, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-and-bee-awards/.