Amy Cappellino, RN III

I recently heard one of our nurses say, "You can never say no to Amy, because she would never ask you to do something that she wouldn't do herself." Truer words have never been spoken. Amy Cappellino is one of the hardest-working nurses that I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. She is often tasked with the responsibility of being the charge nurse of the Emergency Department, and she handles that task like the true leader that she is.

When we are full and bursting at the seams, Amy will personally be cleaning rooms and stretchers as soon as they open up so that we can bring back the next waiting patient. I have witnessed her on multiple occasions assisting an unsteady patient to the restroom without a second thought. If a patient needs a shower and everyone else is busy, Amy will gown up and get that patient clean so that they can receive the medical care that they need. If a woman comes in ready to give birth in the waiting room, Amy will be there to catch that baby.

Need an ultrasound-guided IV placed? Amy can help. Need to administer medications to an unruly patient? Amy will hold a leg. Need to move a patient to a different part of the department? Amy is already pushing the stretcher. Amy is a problem solver and peacemaker. She is loved by her patients and her fellow team members.

The alphabet soup of certifications following her name only reinforces how she strives to be proficient in her work. Not only does Amy utilize current practice when managing direct patient care, but she is also an exceptional resource to her colleagues no matter what role she is in. Amy has a strong heart for advocacy and social justice, always seeking to do the right thing and focusing on humanity. This quality is present in both her personal and professional life.

She is the ringleader of our weekend circus and does it with style and grace, week in and week out. Humming a song and tap dancing along, Amy's presence brings joy to the Emergency Department, and we are lucky to have her.