March 2024
Amanda
Gafford
,
RN
BHS
SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital
St. Louis
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

She was able to keep my spirits high during this disastrous mistake of a week, and I will never forget, as a provider myself, how simple acts of kindness can have such a profound impact.
I was sent in via affidavit for observation for SI. So many nurses, PCTs, and security staff were helpful after identifying I used improper language with a mandatory reporter. They assisted me with my phone and used kind words and respect. Amanda Gafford stood out for being the most endearing, empathetic, and “goes above and beyond” staff member with whom I interacted during my 168-hour total time at SSM SLU Hospital. I have a rare autoimmune disease and a documented need for a prescription not on the formulary in your pharmacy. Amanda paged the IM on-call fellow at midnight to get prednisone as an alternative so I could eat and subsequently sleep. The stakes of being held for observation were enormous as I was at high risk of losing my job. I strongly believe her willingness to help saved my job and all that implies. I will never be able to properly describe the magnitude of her kindness. She was able to keep my spirits high during this disastrous mistake of a week, and I will never forget, as a provider myself, how simple acts of kindness can have such a profound impact. I strongly believe she has made me a better future doctor through her simple yet life-changing actions. It is for these reasons I believe Amanda deserves recognition for bringing such a powerful sense of duty and service to nursing. Your team is enhanced by her skills, and she was a bright spot in an otherwise nightmare week. Thank you, Amanda!