February 2025
Amber
Steigerwalt
,
RN, BSN
GI Endoscopy Suite
Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States
Amber treated me like a whole person, not just a patient, not just a procedure, but a human being who deserved dignity, comfort, and compassion.
I am 25, which means I receive 99% of my care within the adult healthcare system. I had to do a test at CHOP, and had no idea what to expect.
From the moment Amber introduced herself to the last minute of the 6-hour test, Amber went above and beyond to make me feel like a person rather than just a patient. She stayed with me through the entire duration of the test, and ensured that I felt safe, comfortable, heard, and honestly, truly just gave me one of the best hospital experiences I have had to date.
Amber treated me like a whole person, not just a patient, not just a procedure, but a human being who deserved dignity, comfort, and compassion. She stayed with me for the entire six-hour test. Not once did she make me feel like a burden, and not once did she rush, disengage, or treat her time with me as anything less than important.
She talked with me, made gentle small talk to distract me when I needed distraction, and stayed quiet when I needed quiet. She checked on my comfort constantly, anticipated my needs before I could voice them, and reassured me through moments that felt deeply embarrassing.
At one point, I started borderline vomiting up cheesy scrambled eggs and felt pretty ashamed and overwhelmed. Amber didn't even flinch. She treated me with such kindness and such a sense of normalcy that it spoke volumes. She went above and beyond to protect my dignity, helping me feel comfortable instead of embarrassed. Her ability to stay calm, compassionate, and supportive in that moment meant more to me than she knows.
Amber made a six-hour invasive test feel manageable. More than that-she made it feel human. She made me feel seen, heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. I have had a lot of hospital encounters in my life, but Amber gave me one of the best healthcare experiences I have ever had.
It is rare to meet someone who can transform fear into peace and shame into comfort. Amber did that for me. She embodies every quality the DAISY Award exists to recognize-compassion, excellence, presence, and authentic, patient-centered care.
I am deeply grateful for the care she provided me.
From the moment Amber introduced herself to the last minute of the 6-hour test, Amber went above and beyond to make me feel like a person rather than just a patient. She stayed with me through the entire duration of the test, and ensured that I felt safe, comfortable, heard, and honestly, truly just gave me one of the best hospital experiences I have had to date.
Amber treated me like a whole person, not just a patient, not just a procedure, but a human being who deserved dignity, comfort, and compassion. She stayed with me for the entire six-hour test. Not once did she make me feel like a burden, and not once did she rush, disengage, or treat her time with me as anything less than important.
She talked with me, made gentle small talk to distract me when I needed distraction, and stayed quiet when I needed quiet. She checked on my comfort constantly, anticipated my needs before I could voice them, and reassured me through moments that felt deeply embarrassing.
At one point, I started borderline vomiting up cheesy scrambled eggs and felt pretty ashamed and overwhelmed. Amber didn't even flinch. She treated me with such kindness and such a sense of normalcy that it spoke volumes. She went above and beyond to protect my dignity, helping me feel comfortable instead of embarrassed. Her ability to stay calm, compassionate, and supportive in that moment meant more to me than she knows.
Amber made a six-hour invasive test feel manageable. More than that-she made it feel human. She made me feel seen, heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. I have had a lot of hospital encounters in my life, but Amber gave me one of the best healthcare experiences I have ever had.
It is rare to meet someone who can transform fear into peace and shame into comfort. Amber did that for me. She embodies every quality the DAISY Award exists to recognize-compassion, excellence, presence, and authentic, patient-centered care.
I am deeply grateful for the care she provided me.