I knew I wanted to spend as much time with my baby as possible before returning to work as a nurse at a community hospital

My partner parked while I went through the front door, a towel tucked between my legs. At the nurses’ station, my shift supervisor greeted me with, “You’re back!” At 4:08 a.m., I reached down and pulled my baby out, and up onto my chest. I never felt so exhausted and so fulfilled in all my life.

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so I planned on working right up until delivery. It couldn’t have unfolded more efficiently.

It was Thanksgiving, November 25, 2010, my estimated due date. I was scheduled to work the third shift which allowed me to spend the morning with my family, eating what would be my last meal before giving birth. I arrived at the hospital a little before 3 p.m. and was told to report to the ICU. Other than feeling a bit full, I felt great, and doubted I’d go into labor anytime soon.

Being a very pregnant nurse, I drew a lot of attention from patients and their families. That day, the typical question of “When are you due?” when answered with “Today!” raised a few eyebrows. As 11 p.m. approached, the hospital shift supervisor asked if I could stay later until another nurse could relieve me at 1 a.m.. Even though my feet were sore, and my lower back was unusually bothersome, I agreed.

In the wee hours of the morning, I remember one of my patients shared a harrowing birth story as I bathed and repositioned her in bed. By the time the oncoming nurse arrived, I knew I was in early labor. Arriving home a little before 2 a.m., I would return through the same door I’d exited just an hour later in transition labor. Though the protocol was to go through the emergency department, my ID badge helped me go directly to labor and delivery.

My partner parked while I went through the front door, a towel tucked between my legs. At the nurses’ station, my shift supervisor greeted me with, “You’re back!” At 4:08 a.m., I reached down and pulled my baby out, and up onto my chest. I never felt so exhausted and so fulfilled in all my life.

Jenn Conklin, MSN, RN, CMSRN is a DNP student. A mom to two boys, she lives with her family in Charlottesville, VA.