I wish to nominate Amber Dutton for the DAISY Award. She was my night nurse during a recent stay on the second floor. I’ve been in and out of the hospital all summer, so I have been in the care of many nurses, most of them excellent. They are skilled, knowledgeable, and caring. What sets Amber apart is her joy, infectious joy, as she serves her patients. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. When she asks if there’s anything you need, you know she absolutely means it, and she’s not just going through the routine. She actively seeks ways to make your stay more tolerable. And that smile. Always a smile on her face. Even though I knew she had other patients to care for, I always felt like I was her priority. She is an exemplar and should be so honored.
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Amber was my nurse overnight, and she was amazing. Being in the hospital is a huge challenge to your emotions and life. You have to step out of day-to-day life while trying to get better, which adds more stress. I was having such a hard time sleeping because of my pain, and Amber worked tirelessly to get an order for medication to help. This alone is great, but Amber held my hand, comforted me for 30 minutes, even though she was in the middle of a busy shift. It’s healthcare workers like this that make being admitted to the hospital easier. I’m so thankful that Amber was my nurse, and I was able to meet her. She is a great asset to her profession.