After an accident, my 12-year-old son was taken to McLane's. It was not life-threatening, but my son was very nervous. He told me, "Mom I'm shaking inside, and my stomach hurts and I'm scared, is that what anxiety is?" My son is rarely scared. While it isn't the biggest deal comparatively, it was a big deal for him at that moment. Amy Murrah was amazing. She was very thorough and calming to my son. I could tell that she understood that even though the severity was moderate, it was still a big deal to a 12-year-old. She helped him throughout the evening, calmed him, and explained things clearly and directly to him. That helped my son a lot, being spoken directly to and given the time.
Also, the situation was difficult in that my son's Father and I are divorced and are rarely around each other, if ever. My son's father, step-mother, and I were in the room with him and I could tell that also made him nervous and unsure as that had only happened once a couple of years ago. It was a difficult situation for Amy, and she handled it amazingly. I could tell she made a great effort to include me as a concerned mother. She was very sensitive to the situation and its impact on my son.
When a child is injured these things should not matter, but unfortunately, sometimes it does, and Amy handled every facet of the situation very well. She also had a student nurse with her who I am sure learned quite a bit. Her student nurse was also amazing, but she had a good preceptor. I too am finishing up my BSN after staying at home with my children for 15 years, and I have learned quite a bit in clinical and the classroom, but I learned a lot from Amy that night. She is outstanding.
I feel strongly that Amy exemplifies the characteristics of a DAISY Award Recipient, and I am honored to have had her as a nurse.