The year 2020 and into 2021 have proven to be the most challenging year that healthcare workers can recall. The COVID pandemic took a very significant toll on our patients, community, and healthcare workers. When the pandemic arrived at Long Beach Memorial, patients were triaged and admitted to the Med/Surg unit, starting on the 4th floor.

During surges, this floor was filled to capacity, and it ran into the halls' purple zone week after week until the fourth week saw the entire floor housing COVID patients. Nurses and the healthcare team were exhausted, stressed, and worried about their own safety and that of their patients. Every day, this unit's leader, Amanda Barton, would be found amongst the staff, rounding, supporting, offering encouragement, and ensuring adequate PPE. She also helped welcome travelers and staff from other units who were floated to assist with safety monitoring.

Command center meetings were daily, sometimes twice per day. Amanda never once complained or asked for favors for her COVID unit. She was always positive, had a smile on her face, and presented an amazing "can-do" attitude. She was always on top of the floor's status and able to manage assignments as needed, bearing in mind the individual load on each team member. Staff saw her as an amazingly supportive leader, and friends organized a drive-by appreciation party for her...a big surprise! This is how much she is loved and respected. She has been caring for her patients and staff for over 35 years at Long Beach Memorial!