I write this nomination from three perspectives--those of a nurse, a patient, and a mother of a 14-year-old patient. As a nurse, I understand how demanding healthcare is and how every moment given to "going above and beyond" often requires a personal sacrifice. That's what makes Amanda Rowan's actions so deeply meaningful.

My daughter was anxious about her IV and fearful of being separated from me before her procedure. Amanda didn't have to get involved--another nurse could have started the IV--but she chose to come into our pre-op room and do it herself. She knowingly gave up her time, likely delaying something as simple but essential as a bathroom break or a drink of water. But in that moment, Amanda prioritized compassion over convenience.

As she gently started the IV, my daughter began to cry, saying her ears were ringing and something didn't feel right. I watched her turn pale and then become unresponsive. As a mother, my heart sank. But as a nurse, I felt an unexpected sense of peace--because Amanda was there. I knew that if my daughter needed rapid intervention, we had the best person in the room.

Because Amanda took the time to connect, my daughter built trust in her. When it was time to go into the OR, my daughter--who had been terrified--felt safe enough to leave my side and go with Amanda. That small, selfless act of starting an IV became the catalyst for something much bigger: trust.

Amanda's kindness created a ripple effect. She gained my daughter's trust by simply being present. She gained mine by being calm and capable in a stressful moment. That trust then extended into the operating room and beyond--into the way my daughter and I now talk about this experience with our friends and community. It may seem like a small gesture in the fast-moving world of healthcare, but its impact will last far beyond that day.

I know Amanda might humbly say she was just doing her job. But I want her to know that her dedication, presence, and clinical excellence have a profound impact--on patients, on families, and even on fellow staff. As a nurse, I trust Amanda to manage any situation with skill and grace. As a former surgical patient, I knew I was in excellent hands. And most importantly, as a mother, I knew I could trust her to care for my daughter when I couldn't be by her side.

Thank you, Amanda. Your commitment does not go unnoticed. You truly make a difference.