Amy Dunlap
October 2025
Amy
Dunlap
,
RN
OR
Augusta Health
Fishersville
,
VA
United States
When Amy heard that this patient didn't have a comfortable hat or cap to wear, she went to her locker and brought one of the softest scrub hats she owned.
As an OR nurse, our patients often do not remember their interactions with us. Today, I witnessed a very special interaction that I hope the patient can remember and know just how special the nurse wanted her to feel. Amy Dunlap is very good at meeting patients during our check-in procedures and making them feel at ease. I always say Amy never met a stranger and seems to have a connection with everyone. As I sat around the corner and listened to the conversations that were taking place between Amy and this female patient, I understood the situation to be a type of cancer that had caused hair loss. The patient didn't seem to be bothered by it, but happened to mention that what she was using for coverage was not comfortable. The nurses in the OR have many different types of scrub hats they use during the work shift. When Amy heard that this patient didn't have a comfortable hat or cap to wear, she went to her locker and brought one of the softest scrub hats she owned. She helped the patient to put it on, then turned the camera on her phone towards the patient so she could see herself. The patient was delighted at how soft it was on her head, and I've never seen such a beautiful smile. Amy told her to keep it; she wanted her to have something soft and comfortable to wear. It was the most precious and selfless act that meant so much to this patient. I have to say this whole scenario brought me to tears because this is why we go into nursing. This is the reason we work long hours, come to work in the dark, stay late when needed, and put on a brave face for all of our patients, even when we may be having a rotten day. I am so proud to know and work with Amy and all of my team because these are the small things that make the biggest difference in our patient experiences. I sincerely hope that Amy wins this DAISY Award because this isn't the first time she has been so kind to our patients, even singing to them when asked as they are going to sleep. She is a blessing to me as a coworker and is very deserving of this recognition.