Amy Harris consistently exhibits qualities of an extraordinarily compassionate and caring nurse. She provides patient and family-centered care with a positive attitude often going above and beyond the call of duty. Recently, I observed Amy assist an elderly cardiac rehab patient who was having car trouble. The patient did not have any family nearby and she was struggling to problem solve the situation. Amy began by reassuring the patient. She then contacted security, walked the patient down to her car, and waited with the patient on a cold winter afternoon until it was determined that the car would need to be towed. She then assisted the patient with calling a tow truck. She recognized that the patient did not have a way home, so she personally drove her home after work hours and assisted her with arranging a rental car.
Later that same week, Amy voluntarily went to an RRT in our outlying building. Our department isn't required to respond, but she went to the RRT to help the patient. As it turned out, a patient/employee had passed out in the chapel related to cardiac issues. This individual was a previous patient of ours in Cardiac Rehab and Amy had become acquainted with her. Amy was such a comfort for this patient who recognized her immediately. The patient was very much afraid. Amy stayed by her side, holding her hand until the patient was able to be transferred. Amy was not required to tend to this patient and she could have easily removed herself from the situation when the team arrived so she could clock out and go home for the day. Amy consistently chooses to make the patient the priority, even if it means she goes home late, misses a lunch, or works after hours.
Amy is more than a nurse to her patients. Her kind and gentle spirit is comparative to that of a guardian angel. She is the first one to volunteer to help a co-worker. Recently, she arrived at work with less than 30 minutes notice at 7:30 am to cover my shift because I told her I was ill. Amy is most deserving of the DAISY Award.