Amber was one of B's nurses, both on the main NICU unit and in the "stepdown" unit. Now, Amber was an absolutely outstanding nurse - caring for B with the highest level of professionalism and attention, but I'm nominating her because of how she went beyond her job responsibilities time and time again, to take care of us - our family.
I will never forget the first time I met Amber; she was in B's room, holding his hand. She looked me directly in the eyes and introduced herself to me and I felt my whole-body calm. Over the next 5 weeks, she was the one who encouraged me to go to the ER, who saw my exhaustion and told me to rest, sat with me while I anguished over going home (a 2-hour drive one way) to my other 3 kids and who continually checked in on me, while doing her job of taking care of B. I lost count of how many times she asked me how I was doing (as did so many of the NICU staff) and even, checked in on my other boys.
When we were moved to the 6th floor, I was at home and I was panicking that B would be moved without me there, but Amber assured me she was with him, and that was all the information I needed to know. She even went as far as entertaining my oldest boys when they would visit when she was able, this wasn't for any reason other than kindness and love. She is pure light and I cannot think of anyone else who portrays every side of the NICU nurse life, better. Because NICU nurses aren't just providing care to life's most precious gifts - they are often counselors, confidants, teachers, and friends. I'm so thankful for Amber.