Vikki Delestowicz becomes the first Certified Nurse Midwife at RRHS

Rutherfordton, North Carolina (7/22/2024)— "I strongly believe in empowering women and having them take an active role in their healthcare. It is a mutual decision-making process," said Vikki Delestowicz, Certified Nurse Midwife. "When women are well-informed about their health options and feel supported by their healthcare providers, they can make decisions that are best for their unique situations," she continued. "This collaborative approach not only improves health outcomes but also fosters a sense of confidence and autonomy in women."

Vikki's dedication to women's health is evident in her practice, where she encourages open communication and respects each patient's individual needs and preferences. "Every woman deserves to have her voice heard," she said, her eyes reflecting a deep commitment to her profession. "Healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It's about creating a partnership where both the provider and the patient work together to achieve the best possible outcomes."

Delestowicz joined Rutherford Premier Women's Care this month, bringing over 35 years of experience in labor and delivery, with 19 of those years being in midwifery. She graduated from the University of Florida, where she obtained her Master's degree in Nursing, specializing in midwifery. She is certified as a Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner, ensuring that she meets the highest standards of care.

"Vikki has many years of experience in women's health, and she is an excellent addition to our hospital team," said Sue Shugart, interim chief executive officer of Rutherford Regional Health System. "Her expertise will be important as Rutherford Regional meets our region's evolving healthcare needs and advances our mission of making communities healthier."

"It is not only about the mother, but the family as well," said Vikki. Assisting women and their families through labor is her favorite part of her job. The adrenaline rush she gets each time a healthy baby is delivered is incredibly special. She knows that midwifery is what she was put on this earth to do and finds immense satisfaction in knowing that her skills and compassion can make such a profound difference in people's lives.

She often reflects on the joy she has helped bring into the world, remembering each baby by tallying them in her personal notebook. To this day, Vikki has delivered 1,505 babies and has been involved in over 5,000 deliveries throughout the course of her career.  

In her free time, Vikki enjoys hiking, camping, crafting, and spending time with her family. She is a proud mother to five children and naná to her ten grandchildren. Her personal labor and delivery experience influenced her to pursue a career in midwifery. Having twins at a young age motivated Vikki to be an advocate for women of all ages.

Vikki can provide a variety of services for women, including contraception, gynecological services, annual exams, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and lactation assistance. As a Certified Nurse Midwife, Vikki has a passion for supporting women throughout the changing stages of their lives. She is thrilled to return to a small town and aims to establish authentic relationships with her patients, contribute to community education, and promote awareness of midwifery.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit https://www.myrutherfordregional.com/womens-services or call 828.286.5583.