Heroes of Healthcare: Amber Gaines

Amber Gaines, LPN, is a Case Manager for Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Gaines exemplifies compassion, dedication and selfless commitment to patients. Recently, Gaines cared for an elderly patient who was admitted to Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital from a nursing home. During his hospitalization, the patient shared that he felt his care at the previous nursing home had been inadequate.

He presented with significant health concerns, which were appropriately addressed by the hospital care team. As the patient prepared for discharge, he expressed his desire to transfer to another nursing facility in the area. Because he had no family nearby, he faced an additional challenge: getting his personal belongings from his previous facility to his new home.

Gaines recognized that this was more than a logistical problem so after her shift, and with the patient's permission, she personally coordinated the retrieval of his belongings. She loaded them into her own truck and drove approximately 25 miles to the patient's new facility.

Her commitment did not end when she delivered the belongings. After arriving, she helped place some of the patient’s belongings in various locations throughout his room and in a small cabinet.

Amber's actions demonstrated compassion without expectation, service beyond obligation and a willingness to go the extra mile for someone who needed an advocate.