I work with nurse Amalia. I’ve only been at INOVA for a few months, and she always inspires me. She is kind beyond words or actions, and I truly enjoy working with her. Amalia is the definition of what and who a nurse should be. She is so unbelievably kind, caring, gentle, and patient that if I were ever to be in a hospital, I’d want her to be by my side. I’ve never seen her display nothing less than a positive attitude, no matter how busy it may be, she will always make sure that each patient is heard and cared for thoroughly. She expresses gratitude to every team member as well and is always willing to lend a hand.

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In postpartum recovery, I was unsure what to expect during my stay. After a difficult labor and unexpected complications, I gave birth to a baby girl via C-section. All of the nurses and techs on the floor provided outstanding care for me and my family. I wanted to recognize Nurse Amalia for her role in helping me resolve my bladder and incontinence issues. It was a sensitive and vulnerable situation for me. Amalia showed kindness, helped me remain positive, and was very professional. She took the time to discuss my concerns and questions and did an excellent job communicating with my doctor every step of the way.

A second occasion Amalia went above and beyond was to assist me with my daughter. My husband and I are new to Virginia, and with his new job, we could not get paternity leave/ time off. Amalia helped me to feel like I wasn’t alone. She wore many hats during my stay, including being a nurse and a teacher. She helped with late-night feed questions, taught me to swaddle, and always handled the baby gently. One night, the baby had too much formula and spit all over her bassinet. Amalia helped me clean her up, swaddle her, and put her back to sleep. It has been difficult to adjust to motherhood while recovering from a C-section. Amalia has taken my worries away during my stay and provided exceptional care. With every interaction, she was kind, professional, and sensitive to all my concerns, no matter how big or small.

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I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Amalia Paz-Reyes for her exceptional care during my stay at Alexandria Hospital for the delivery of my second baby girl. From the moment I arrived at the Family Care Center, Amalia greeted me warmly and introduced herself, immediately making me feel at ease. Her whiteboard was always up to date, which helped me stay informed about my care. She was attentive, asking me about my comfort level, whether I needed anything, and if I was in pain, which made a significant difference during such a vulnerable time.

Being alone with my newborn while my fiancée attended to our first daughter was challenging, but Amalia’s suggestion to let my baby rest in the nursery allowed me to recuperate. She was punctual with my medications and offered invaluable assistance with breastfeeding. Amalia patiently demonstrated various positions for nursing, and when I felt flustered, she was quick to offer help and tips. Her explanations were clear and easy to follow, and she took the time to ensure I felt confident in my abilities as a mother.

As her shift came to an end, Amalia conducted a thorough bedside report to the incoming nurse, ensuring a seamless transition in my care. Before she left, she kindly asked if there was anything I felt was missing from the report, reinforcing her commitment to my well-being. Amalia's dedication and compassion truly made a difference during my hospital stay, and I am incredibly grateful for her support.