Amber Reed
March 2018
Amber
Reed
,
RN
Cardiac Progressive Care
St. Mary's of Michigan, Saginaw
Saginaw
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

Amber was an amazing nurse. She tried hard to keep me and my family informed. Her bubbly personality was always comforting. It was easy to communicate with her. She really gave her all to me and my family. Thank you for everything Amber, and for giving your all.
***
My 87-year-old Mother was admitted to St. Mary's of Michigan after being transferred from another hospital after having suffered a massive heart attack. I understand through siblings that medical care in the emergency room and cardiac ICU was notable. Nonetheless, I am persuadedthat the care, compassion, understanding, and empathy extended to my mom and our family by Amber Reed, RN, in the cardiac step-down unit was extraordinary - exemplifying beautifully the intersection of professional nursing and the extension of one's humanity.
A loved one suffering a massive heart attack at age 87 presents the patient and family with difficult conversations and exceptionally challenging decisions. By the grace of God, our family was delivered into the compassionate, gentle, and professionally competent care of Amber Reed in the 600 Unit. Though the placement of two stents addressed critical, life-threatening concerns, further diagnostic testing revealed other equally concerning issues. Amber was accessible and thoughtfully supportive as we navigated each bend in the road - from addressing issues related to immediate recovery needs and subsequent medical procedures to answering questions and assisting with the choreography of further diagnostic procedures. In every interaction, she demonstrated a professional confidence coupled with a warm and engaging disposition. My mom's health and our hearts were definitely in empathetic hands.
One specific example of Amber's compassion follows: Mom's deep and faithful-yet-mature veins made every blood draw extraordinarily difficult. The day before Mom's discharge, several unsuccessful attempts were made to draw blood - each effort, even one by a well-regarded phlebotomist, was unproductive and ended with a degree of exasperation on part of the phlebotomist. Undaunted, Amber confidently assured my mom there were viable alternatives. Drawing on her internal professional network, Amber identified a phlebotomist who was not only able to draw blood, but Amber also pinpointed an individual who exuded confidence and chatted with Mom light-heartedly as she went about the difficult task of drawing blood. The draw was successful, and Mom's anxiety alleviated.
During Mom's recent hospitalization, I realized there is no script or dress rehearsal as we approach the end of life, yet is the most poignant, powerful, and emotionally-charged final act. Though the curtain call is still a future event, I am eternally grateful for Amber directing our every step and caring for Mom with such compassion and empathy as the curtain for the final act swayed. I believe that Amber Reed, RN, exemplifies the intrinsic qualities, professionally and personally and is a true DAISY Nurse.