Nurses from the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona couldn’t believe that not one, not two, but 16 of them were pregnant at the same time. Twelve of the 16 expecting ICU nurses showed up for a press conference to talk about their very unique shared experience.
All 16 of them agree that it’s great to have such an incredible support network in their journeys to motherhood.
“This is my first child, so having the support of people who already have children is really nice,” says Rochelle Sherman. “There’s a lot in common. We have that support system and we can bring up everything. We’re all open with each other and it’s so nice.”
The nurses reported that their due dates all fall between September and February. Apparently, they had no idea just how many of them were pregnant until they made a Facebook group. “At first I was like, this is crazy. But it was exciting,” explains Rachel Cosgriff.
“It’s my first baby, so I love having someone to talk to about it. We’re nurses, so we’re not afraid to discuss the dirty details with each other… I thought it was awesome and I’m excited for after we have our kids. There’s so many of us — there will be playdates and more parenting advice to give to each other.”
While they may be all smiles at the moment, there is one down-side to having a staff full of pregnant nurses. “The hardest part has been finding someone to help us lift and turn our patients,” says Samantha Teel. Fortunately, fellow hospital workers have been very supportive of their nurses, even planning a group baby shower for all the women.
“I wasn’t expecting one because there’s so many of us,” explains Cosgriff. “We love being together. [They’ve] put in a lot of effort for it… It will be fun to all come together and talk more about our babies. We’re getting closer to our due dates — and there will be cake!”
Fortunately, the hospital has ensured that the women’s upcoming due dates will not interfere with the hospital’s organization. They’ve already prepared a group of floating nurses to fill in for each mom-to-be as they take their maternity leaves.