A Passion for Care: Leeann Sims, RN, on the Joys and Challenges of Labor and Delivery Nursing

April is Caesarean Awareness Month, a time to recognize the experiences of mothers who undergo cesarean births and the healthcare professionals who support them. For Leeann Sims, RN, labor and delivery nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling. "From a young age, I was always interested in the medical field. I knew I wanted a career that was hands-on where I could help people," she shares. That passion led her to Rivier University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing, and ultimately to a career in labor and delivery nursing at Elliot Hospital. 

Finding her calling in labor and delivery

Leeann knew she wanted to work with moms and babies, but she never expected to fall in love with labor and delivery. "When I first started here, I was told I would be trained to work on both the maternity unit and labor and delivery unit. I was trained in labor and delivery first, and even though I was terrified, I fell in love with it. I can’t imagine doing anything else. It's the most amazing place to work." 

The rewards and challenges of the job

Every day, Sims plays a vital role in one of the most transformative moments in her patients' lives. "Being part of someone’s delivery is always the most rewarding experience. Knowing you can be there for that patient and help them bring their baby into this world never gets old," she says. "My favorite is first-time moms because the look of awe on their faces when they finally see their baby is just magical." 

One of the most important aspects of her role is helping patients navigate changes in their birth plans, particularly when a cesarean birth becomes necessary. "One of the biggest challenges I face is when someone comes in with a specific plan that they are hyper-focused on, and then throughout their labor, nothing goes as planned. Some patients have a hard time with that loss of control," she explains. "I try to provide a lot of education on what we do and why, and find ways to give them control back and support them the best I can. I reassure my patients that my number one goal is to keep them and their baby safe." 

Sims frequently discusses cesarean sections with patients who may not have initially planned for one. "One question I get a lot is ‘When is a c-section off the table?’ and I tell all the moms I work with that the reality is it's not off the table until your baby is in your arms. Most of them are taken aback by this, but it’s the reality of having a baby." 

Staying motivated through tough days

Labor and delivery is often seen as a place of joy, but there are heartbreaking moments as well. "Everyone thinks labor and delivery is just ‘sunshine and rainbows.’ Usually, it's a very happy place, but when it is sad, it's devastatingly sad. Knowing I can make a difference keeps me going," Sims says. "At the end of the day, what's important to me is how I made my patient feel and that I was there to support them in whatever way I can." 

She also finds motivation in the small moments of care. "Sometimes it's the simple things you can do as a nurse that can make a difference in your patient’s day and experience. Something as simple as sitting with your patient and holding their hand can make all the difference." 

A supportive team and a community connection

Sims chose to work at The Elliot because she wanted to stay close to home and serve her community. What keeps her here is the team. "I stay because I work with the most amazing team of nurses and doctors," she says. 

Her advice to aspiring nurses? "Nursing can be tough, and burnout is unfortunately common. The best advice I can give is to figure out what your passion is. If your true passion is to help people and care for people, it will give you more resiliency. You have to be ready to put your patient’s needs first and advocate for them even when your personal beliefs don’t align with their wishes." 

Leaving a legacy of empowerment

Looking ahead, Sims hopes her impact extends beyond the bedside. "My hope is to empower the moms I work with so they know they can do anything. Hearing a laboring patient say, ‘I can’t do this’ is common. But my job is to help them realize they can and already are. I always tell my patients that this is their birth story, and I’m here for them to do whatever they need and support them however I can." 

As we recognize Caesarean Awareness Month, Sims’ dedication to education, support, and compassionate care reminds us that every birth story is unique—and every mother deserves to feel empowered in her journey. Through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering support, Leeann Sims is shaping the future of labor and delivery nursing—one birth story at a time.