I would like to nominate Amber Watkins, RN (Emergency Department) for your DAISY Award. I could never adequately explain what her care for our daughter meant to us. On February 17th my daughter, was having a miscarriage. I rushed her to the ER and immediately they put her in a room. She was bleeding badly and the pain was horrible. She had never been pregnant before and was scared to death. Amber began taking care of her (started an IV, administered pain meds, checked vitals, etc.). She was so kind, gentle and so professional. My daughter liked her so much she asked Amber how long her shift was. Amber was scheduled to get off work within just a few minutes. Without warning, my daughter’s blood pressure dropped to 63/29 and she began to be lifeless. Amber worked so quickly and efficiently. She explained to me that she needed to get fluids into her fast. She started another IV and did all the other things necessary for this urgent situation. She began to improve, and three hours later Amber was still there graciously making sure she was continuing to get better. Her hematocrit level dropped to 20 resulting in her need for a blood transfusion.

Another nurse named Mark (who was wonderful also) came in to relieve Amber. She must have worked 2-3 hours over her normal shift to care for Shannon; never once leaving the room we were in. The entire time she was there I felt totally confident that Amber’s nursing skills and caring heart would get my daughter through this. She handled the pressure of my daughter’s complications, comforted her about losing the baby, and helped me stay calm while I watched my daughter suffer the pain of miscarriage.

Before leaving she told us that she would certainly pray for us. I know in my heart that God gave us Amber as our nurse that evening because He knew she was suffering and very scared of all the things associated with an emergency room. She deserves The DAISY Award and so much more!