Taking your child to the ED is never easy but being a pediatric nurse myself brings a whole new level of anxiety. My husband arrived with my daughter before I got there, but when I arrived, Alyssa and the CNA were at my daughter's bedside with her wrapped like a little burrito smiling as Alyssa prepared her to get an IV placed. Alyssa did an amazing job with keeping her calm and distracted, along with placing the IV without a hitch. She made it look so easy that I was jealous! My daughter did not even shed a tear. Nurses like Alyssa help to make patients feel at ease and not afraid of getting help when needed; I will forever be thankful for her comfort of my daughter when I could not be there.

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Alyssa is a phenomenal nurse and human being. I was given the opportunity to shadow Alyssa downstairs in the Pediatric ER at Baptist South when I was considering moving to a new unit from the start, Alyssa was so kind and welcoming. She introduced me to all of the staff on the unit and took the time to give me a tour of the unit. As I followed her around throughout the shift, I was amazed at how great she was with the kids as well as each of their family members, grown or little. Alyssa is so patient, thorough, and truly cares for each and every human that walks into that ER, as well as the staff that works in that ER. After my first shadow shift, I have stayed in touch with Alyssa and have shadowed her a few more times. Each shift, she continues to provide the best care for her patients. I am so inspired by Alyssa and so convinced that I want to be a Pediatric ER nurse just like her. She far exceeds the quality of care that Baptist strives to provide, and this institution is so lucky to have her. And on top of being great in the ER, Alyssa is also a phenomenal mom to 2 beautiful babies, a wonderful wife, and an amazing friend.

Thank you, Alyssa, for all you do for our patients, families, and team members! Congratulations on winning the DAISY Award!!