I am a "frequent flyer" in the infusion center. Every 6 weeks I actually look forward to coming in, partly for the relief, but mostly to visit with Amanda. She is one of the most caring, kind, and skilled nurses I have ever known. She really pays attention to what is going on with her patients and goes above and beyond as a liaison between patient and doctor when needed. One such example was when I was first getting infusions, the dosage needed to be raised; Amanda saw the new order and proactively reached out to the doctor to confirm. After discussing, my doctor changed the new dose amount so that it wasn't such a drastic jump and shock to my system. If it wasn't for Amanda paying such close attention to these details, I may have been taking more medicine than was actually necessary. I know she treats all of her patients with such care and grace, but I truly consider her a friend and I am so thankful to have her through this process.
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Amanda's calm, even-handed and even-tempered gentle presence along with her absolute focus on her patients' well-being has been a remarkable boon to me, and from what I can overhear in her interactions with other infusion patients, with all who come to her for care. She is meticulous in her preparation, completely attentive to her patients' needs, both physical and emotional, and takes time to listen to any concern...even if it's that the bagel wasn't toasted enough! When I was unexpectedly stuck out of town and was trying to change an infusion appointment, the scheduler said that there were no times available, but to "speak with Amanda directly, she can probably figure that out." Of course, she did. Another time, she called me at home several times to time an extra, non-IGG infusion at precisely the right time, and also with COVID concerns, Amanda has reassured with an air of normalcy even behind mask and shield.
My infusion rate is very slow and exacting; Amanda cheerfully appears every ten minutes to adjust the rate, to check all my vitals, to reassure, to distract with a little story of her sons, to bring a warm blanket, to ask a question about our family, showing how much she cares. I have heard her speak loudly yet patiently to hearing-impaired patients, listen carefully and respond openly to distressed, complaining patients, explain procedures to concerned family members and mentor an aide studying to become an RN with exquisite insight. The young mentee could not be in better hands; neither could I. Amanda's temperament and empathy are exceptional. I was an educator for over forty years and have been an IGG patient for fifteen. No nurse I have ever encountered in Connecticut, New York or Vermont comes closer to embodying the best a healer can be in any and every way.
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I have been a patient here for many years, and I see Amanda every three weeks for fluids and every eight weeks for Remicade. Amanda is always on top of her patients' information and always knows if something is wrong before you come to the hospital to get your meds. Not only is she exceptional at her job but when you are here she makes you feel like you are the only patient in the hospital. She makes you feel like you are part of her family and very comfortable being here. This makes Amanda an outstanding and exceptional nurse. If you ask her a question she will go the Avenue to get you your answer and what you need to know. She is very compassionate, sweet, and she has a love for each and every one of us. I had a port a cath put in and she accessed my port from a very new operation. Well come to find out my port had flipped and she called the doctor right up and he came right to medical ambulatory care he had me go downstairs to have dye put in to see. My port had flipped, and the doctor had to get it flipped back around. And he did it in my room right in Medical Ambulatory Care. Amanda had one of the OR nurses come over so she could stay with me while this procedure was being done. She is not afraid to get someone to help her when things arise. She is very very understanding of her patients, co-workers, and family members.