I arrived at 4 east late Thursday evening. My only hospital stay was years ago, so this was new and frightening. With the arrival of Abi the next morning my fears started to dissolve. There is no singular event or situation that makes Abi extraordinary, it's what he did every day I was there.
His calmness is what I noticed first. He makes you free and comfortable no matter what questions you ask. My husband was always included in the conversations as well, easing his mind. In fact, hardly a question needed to be asked as Abi was so thorough in explaining things. I also observed him assisting less experienced nurses and switching to a second language to communicate and reassure another patient. He makes coworkers better just by being around them. You just want to soak up everything he is saying and doing. His whole demeanor is perfect for the job. Abi is quietly observant and encouraging. He is not boastful or obnoxious as some might be with that much knowledge. There was some anxiety about discharge day, but with Abi's preparation, that too abated. I asked Abi if it was the challenge of making people well again that made him choose to be a nurse. He said he once saw how patients were being treated, and he knew he had to become a nurse so they would be treated differently. LGH, other hospital workers and patients should be glad Abi became a nurse. I am!! I consider myself lucky to have had him as a caregiver. He may be shorter in stature but stands head and shoulders above the rest.