Amber values every part of the work team.  I have worked with Amber as a peer, later as clinical leader and nurse manager of Surgical Services.  In each role, Amber has faced multiple yet different challenges, and I have seen her work through them with skill and patience.  Healthcare is constantly changing, and Amber oversees a lot of the success of surgical services.  She thinks outside the box and comes up with a plan to keep our patients safe.  She is kind and patient, always willing to help… a true leader.  Amber is creative and thoughtful.  Recently, when walking by her office, I was witness to a number of staff members lined up to have their turn with Amber to get input on various issues and concerns.  It is obvious the staff feels as I do; the concerns are all very immediate needs, staffing, and scheduling, often patient-centered.  Some larger than others, Amber takes the time to address each and when action is needed, takes action quickly and professionally, often jumping “into the trenches” clinically to help all areas of the team.  Amber does this all while remaining calm, fair, and firm when needed.  Amber is a calming factor during our moments of chaos, the voice of reason. Amber is a great “teacher” who often pulls the team together for various competencies and in-services.  The presentations are professional, helpful, and interactive.  She works closely with individual team members to build confidence and delegate a variety of important aspects of day-to-day operations, which in turn supports the individual’s growth and development.  Amber has a great way of explaining the “why” when changes occur and is open to listening to staff suggestions of how to develop changes in practice.  She is a constant support for us, the team with furthering our education or pushing all to expand their knowledge on best current practice.  Recently, Amber successfully tackled becoming a Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), setting a great example to the team!

Amber is always willing to help the team, covering peers for various appointments or family obligations that require time away from work, planned or unplanned.  This leads to a true atmosphere of teamwork within the department. Amber manages with a “my door is always open”, call me any time you need me philosophy.  The team finds her very approachable and easy to communicate with.

Amber is very patient and certainly is a staff advocate.  The team wholeheartedly appreciates Amber's clinical skills, her ability to formulate new plans to “fix” the day-to-day operational problems that inevitably develop, and her ability/willingness to simply jump in to help when needed.  As a department we are very thankful to have Amber!   It is an honor to work with, alongside and for Amber.