In the early morning, my five-year-old daughter was admitted to the emergency department for severe dehydration after a night of uncontrollable vomiting. Every nurse we encountered provided compassionate care, from Triage to the charge nurse (thank you!) However, this is specifically for Amy, who went above and beyond in ways I’ll never forget.

Amy consistently checked on us, kept me informed, and patiently answered all my questions. She advocated for my daughter to receive the least invasive care possible, her foresight helping prevent what could have been a traumatizing experience for a child of such a tender age. As a fellow mom to a daughter around the same age, Amy treated my child with empathy and care, and she also made sure her stressed and exhausted mama was okay too.

At one point, after my daughter finally stabilized and fell asleep on me, I was stuck in a hospital bed, exhausted and running on absolutely no sleep. Amy came in and asked if I wanted coffee. When I told her I didn’t care how it was made, she gently insisted, asking exactly how I took it. She returned with a warm cup, using her own personal creamer she had brought from home. That small gesture meant the world.

Later, just before discharge, my daughter had an accident. I didn’t have a change of clothes, and Amy not only tracked down a pull-up from another department, but she also offered us a clean outfit she kept in her car for her own daughter. I was completely blown away by her thoughtfulness, compassion, and willingness to go far beyond what was required.

Amy made an incredibly stressful day so much easier for this exhausted mom, and I am truly grateful for the compassionate care she provided to my daughter as well as the kindness she showed me.