Amber Chenowith, BSN, RN

Amid a busy winter in the Emergency Department, Amber cared for a patient who arrived in critical condition and was not expected to survive. Amber remained deeply engaged with her patient, not just as a nurse, but as a source of comfort, advocacy, and calm. As the family gathered at the bedside, the patient’s son expressed a deeply emotional wish to bring in the family dog to see his mother, knowing this might be their last opportunity to say goodbye.

While balancing multiple patients' needs, Amber kept the patient and family at the center of care, knowing this moment could bring peace, comfort, and closure. Amber approached the situation with compassion and creative problem-solving. Drawing on her experience as a dog trainer, she proposed a thoughtful and safe solution. She personally went outside to assess the dog’s behavior, ensuring that bringing the dog into the hospital could be done responsibly while still honoring the family’s wishes. With collaboration and transparency in mind, Amber communicated her plan to everyone in the POD, including myself and anyone who entered the patient's room. Amber kept the team informed, addressed questions respectfully, and worked alongside her colleagues to make this moment possible. She carefully balanced policy, safety, and ethical responsibility, ensuring that the decision was made thoughtfully and for the right reasons.

Because of Amber’s efforts, the team safely brought the dog into the hospital. After a brief period of curiosity, the dog settled quietly on the floor. Soon after, the patient regained some consciousness and understood that her beloved dog was there to visit her. This simple yet powerful moment brought immeasurable comfort to both the patient and her family during their final moments together. She is truly deserving of the DAISY Award recognition