Words can't describe the huge impact she had on both my father and me during his stay in the hospital. My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and within 3 weeks was in the hospital. My father had to have a thoracentesis procedure every other day. I accompanied him to this procedure and while there met a nurse named Amanda. She had never met me or my father before but showed true compassion. She talked us through the procedure as any nurse would do, but she truly went above and beyond. She began talking to me about her father who had cancer. She gave us support, hope, advice, and the bitter truth about my father's grave condition. She allowed me to cry on her shoulder, gave me advice, told me how serious his cancer was, and most importantly listened with a sympathetic ear. All this during a 20-minute procedure. She spoke to my dad in a comforting way that put us both at ease, if only for a moment. She held my dad's hand and spoke to him as if he was her father. I thought that was the first and last time I would encounter her. However, my dad had a pluerX drain placed and even though she was not his nurse she took the time to say hi. I know my father appreciated this and I can't even begin to explain what this gesture meant to me. In that moment, she became my friend, confidant, and hero. She took time out of her day to check on us both and walked me to the waiting room where she continued to offer support. It was at that moment I realized my dad's condition was far worse than I believed. As I broke out in tears, she reached out and gave me a hug, just what I needed.
The following day, she came to my dad's room to check in on us both. Over these days, my dad's condition became worse and we decided to move him into hospice care. One of the most difficult decisions to make and she was there, reassuring us that it was all ok. The week and a half we spent in the hospital was rough. My father was moved to hospice where he eventually passed away. I still think about Amanda regularly and how she showed true compassion and sympathy for not only my father but in my time of need as well. Becoming a nurse takes some school and a test. But becoming an exceptional nurse like Amanda takes dedication, heart, compassion, and sympathy. She was more than an extraordinary nurse. She is an exceptional human. Banner Baywood is lucky to have a nurse like Amanda. Thank you, Amanda, for all your support!