I would like to recognize Amanda C for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion she showed to my baby boy during his NICU stay at Mercy Hospital. She cared for him four out of the six days he was there, and she was always thoughtful and considerate of us being there as well.

Amanda encouraged and guided us to be more hands-on with our son, despite him being hooked up to so many monitors and cords, which was incredibly meaningful to me as a newly postpartum parent. I was able to bond and connect with him, which helped so much during such an emotional time. She made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed during our stay with him.

She noticed every detail and was quick to identify the root of any issues. For example, when he had trouble breathing, she recognized he needed deep suctioning, which immediately improved his oxygen levels. She educated me daily on his situation and improvements and broke it down to where I could easily understand and never left me with any questions. We always felt confident leaving him in her care; she knew all the little tricks to keep him swaddled and cozy and was always super gentle with him.

I think about her and how her kindness truly helped me when I was freshly postpartum and adapting to my baby boy being in the NICU. She even helped me fill out WIC referral papers, which helped tremendously as I am a first-time parent and didn't know how it worked. When my baby boy was getting discharged, I was excited to take him home, but it was bittersweet not seeing nurse Amanda again.

 Amanda made sure to educate us very thoroughly when we were leaving and made sure we knew how to do infant CPR effectively. She sent us home with so much information and infant formula. I frequently brag about her when I get asked about his time in the NICU. The NICU can be so scary, but nurses like her make it such a better experience. I am truly grateful and so thankful we encountered her. Mercy is so lucky to have a nurse like her.

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This is Amanda's 2nd DAISY Award!