Amber Hershberger and her family moved from Indiana to Georgia three years ago. Amber, an emergency department nurse by trade, found a job at Piedmont Henry Hospital as the flow coordinator in the hospital’s emergency department. She recently found out that she is a finalist for March of Dimes Nurse of the Year in the Emergency Services category.

  “The role of flow coordinator is basically a charge nurse, but there are a lot of responsibilities. In addition to caring for families and visitors, the flow coordinator is also responsible for taking calls from emergency services and serving as a liaison between providers and staff.”

  Last Christmas Eve, the county EMS brought in a woman who had suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke. She had to be transferred out and Amber began calling the patient’s family to let them know what had happened. She soon discovered that the woman was a caregiver for her husband, who was wheelchair-bound, as well as her elderly mother. When Amber reached the woman’s son, she found out that he lived out of state and would not be able to make it to Georgia until early the next morning. Amber went to the woman’s house and cared for her husband and mother until her son arrived. Unfortunately, the woman passed away and Amber, feeling connected to the family, continued to help care for the family until other arrangements could be made.

  “Amber was nominated for this award because she demonstrated above and beyond care for the people in her community,” said Paula Butts, Chief Nursing Officer for Piedmont Henry. “Piedmont’s purpose is to make a positive difference in every life we touch and Amber’s compassion and care touched the lives of this family and her colleagues last Christmas. We are extremely proud of her.”

  In November, Amber and her family will attend the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards and will find out if she is the overall winner for the Emergency Services category. As far as Piedmont Henry is concerned, Amber is already a champion.

  To learn more about services offered at Piedmont Henry, visit piedmont.org/henry.