"What stood out to you about this nurse?" Her advocacy on my behalf; her consistency with competent care; her effective, observant attitude regarding my pain management; her commitment to best practice, and for my overall well-being. She really paid attention to my experience and asked really good questions. She was with me when I first came to orthopedics from the ER and took a preferred interest in my care. I had de-gloving of flesh from ankle to toes after being hit by a bus. Amy advocated for my surgery and that on-call doctors be contacted since surgery was continually postponed due to nursing shortage. But the surgery kept being postponed and was potentially not going to happen until next day, and I felt Amy helped navigate my surgery happening the same day.

Days later, I felt very over-medicated. She guided me in mindful observation of my pain and encouraged discernment of symptoms. With her help, I was able to identify what was phantom pain from my transtibial amputation, what was muscular pain from movement and transfiguration of my muscles, what was incisional pain or other pain. Due to this, I decreased my Dilaudid -- my hallucinations ceased, with identifying pain as mostly phantom pain. She was instrumental in helping me manage my pain.

In addition to this, she was compassionate and caring. I endured a crazy accident that resulted in amputation, over 5 surgeries, blood transfusion, and 3 weeks at the hospital. Amy stood out from other nurses with her attentiveness and down-to-earth demeanor, observation skills, competency, and empathy. Her care was stellar and she certainly deserves this award. She really helped my mental-emotional state and the impact of the traumatic event as well.