Life on a labor and delivery unit can be unpredictable, and McKenzie Steelman, M.S.N., RNC-OB, knows one of the main culprits is out of their control.
“No labor and delivery experience is the same, and the moon is definitely to blame for much of the chaos!” she said. “While research focuses on periods of gravitational pull rather than lunar phases being to blame for increased birthrates, there exists a superstition among most women’s units that a full moon has powerful influence and creates chaos for our unit.”
A supervisor on the labor and delivery unit at Texas Health Hospital Frisco, Steelman is respected for her dedication to caring for patients and team members.
“Patients appreciate her attention to detail and the education she provides throughout the labor process,” said Susan Robison, M.S.N., RNC-OB, manager, Texas Health Frisco. “Her colleagues appreciate that she values their contributions.”
Steelman also has a passion for evidence-based care.
“McKenzie’s passion for evidence-based practice is what truly makes her stand out in the profession,” Robison said. “Her focus on this promotes the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
Learn more about Steelman, in her own words.
What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose your career?
I wanted to be a doctor when I was little. I have a curiosity for science and a love for math. During middle school and high school in Lewisville, I served alongside my dad on the Denton County AIDS Care Team as part of community service. I found the work to be rewarding beyond measure — caring for others, bringing a smile to their faces, sharing acceptance and love at a time when AIDS in social context was fear, shame and prejudice. At the time, HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death in Americans ages 25-44.
What is your workday like?
My workday is very unpredictable! Babies have a mind of their own. Many may not realize but our labor and delivery nurses perform triage, complete admission, labor their patient, deliver new life, recover them and, when necessary, circulate in the operating room and perform post-anesthesia care unit recovery. We have several high-risk events that can occur at any time, including hemorrhage, hypertensive crisis, stat cesarean and shoulder dystocia, to name just a few. It is the same unpredictability that creates an adrenaline rush, making the job so exciting!
As a supervisor, it is important that I am available for my team with whatever they need during all the unpredictability. I also serve as our maternal designation coordinator, and I am constantly looking at opportunities for improvement, quality metrics and safety for everyone involved.
What is your favorite part of your job and what is the biggest challenge?
My favorite part is partnering with a family to empower the mother to find her way. The only right way is her way. It is miraculous that the human body grows an organ (the placenta) to nourish a tiny life, and mom and baby work together to reach delivery of new life. It is just an amazing process. The opposite is the biggest challenge, walking beside a family experiencing loss. No one expects to lose their baby; however, some of my greatest bonds with patients have been sharing in the saddest moments together.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a pretty serious ballet dancer for 15 years, and I love black licorice and gardening.
How do you do your life’s best work at Texas Health?
By giving my all with continuous effort and striving to learn something new every day.
