My daughter spent a full week at PCH on the cardio floor with a new diagnosis of heart failure. At 20, this was pretty scary for her and she had about a million questions. Amanda did an amazing job with her in not only answering the questions but also showing compassion, empathy, and understanding. Amanda looked at her as an individual and would engage other members of the team as needed. Two specific examples are: first while being fitted for a life vest, my daughter was having difficulties due to her Friedreich's ataxia, Amanda observed and then immediately contacted the cardio team to bring them into the loop. Her quick thinking helped to de-escalate a frustrated patient.

Secondly, when it was time for medical discharge, my daughter was ready to be discharged from the hospital, and she began coming up with reasons not to go home yet. Amanda was on duty and came in to speak with her. After talking for a while, my daughter admitted to being afraid to go home. Rather than talk down to her or treat her like a little girl, Amanda handled the situation beautifully; she spoke to her like the young adult she is and with compassion and empathy. Amanda helped talk her through her fears and the entire situation. Any patient that has Amanda as a nurse is in good hands. My daughter was treated like an individual person, not a number.