Amber Hargraves
March 2018
Amber
Hargraves
,
RNC
Cardiac ICU
CHI Franciscan Health - St. Joseph Medical Center
Tacoma
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

My brother suffered a "widow maker" heart episode. Amber Hargraves was his primary care nurse during the early stages of his attack. She was informative, caring, patient and kind. She deserves this award!
***
I had a "widow maker" heart attack, with cath procedures. I had several challenges including bleeding, pain and other complications. Amber was always there for my wife, providing outstanding care while demonstrating a great deal of compassion. I have undergone other procedures in the past and Amber is simply the best nurse I've ever had.
***
My husband had a "widow maker" heart attack and stayed 7-8 days in the hospital. I can't describe just one situation. Amber was his nurse for 4 of those days. She stayed beside his bed almost every minute of his first day as he had a code blue, she rolled him towards herself for him to throw up all over her, so he would not aspirate, and she did everything she could to make him comfortable while he was intubated and had a cath wire in his femoral artery in his right leg.
This situation made him agitated and not the easiest patient, but Amber was always there to reassure him. She also exemplifies your commitment to "treat the whole family" not just the patient. She was there for me, showing me compassion, explaining everything that was happening, teaching me along the way, and just being a friend when I needed one! My husband had many good nurses during his stay, but Amber was by far the best. We can't even begin to express how grateful we are to her. She used her team to help her along with me. The quality and excellence of her care are beyond measure.
This was a very traumatic event for me, too, as I woke up to my husband agonal breathing. I had to perform CPR on him for 15 minutes while waiting for paramedics. That's why Amber really stood out to me, sharing and processing the event together.