When caring for any patient, a good nurse should show compassion. When caring for a dementia patient, it is even more important for not only the normal comfort a patient feels but allowing the dementia patient to feel loved and safe.

Alex went over and beyond to make my mother feel safe and respected, loved and heard. Alex would get down on his knee and pat her hand. He would answer all of her questions even when we were unsure as to what she was trying to say. He would explain each medication, and then turn to me to make sure that I also understood. As my mother's sole caregiver (and daughter), I question every choice that I make in regard to her health, happiness, and well-being. Alex allowed me to run questions by him, to vent when needed, and just share my concerns. He was always very respectful while doing so. When you watch a loved one suffering with memory loss - with confusion filling their mind and fear filling their eyes - it is devastating at times. To have a nurse take the extra step to try to comfort their parent, to go the extra step to validate their concerns and to make them feel safe - well, that is an amazing individual.

At one point, we had someone make us feel as if we didn't have the right to continue to seek medical attention at the hospital. I shared my feelings with Alex and he was wonderful in making my concerns heard, validating my feelings and actually resolving a situation that could have turned out differently.

I will end with this - last night, my mother was having a meltdown, and when I attempted to comfort her, she pushed me away and asked for "the boy" who has been so kind to her. That "boy" is Alex. For my mother to be comforted by him and only want to see him right there is a testimony as to why Alex deserves the DAISY Award. We received A+ care, A+ kindness, A+ comfort, and A+ respect of all time. Alex exemplifies all of the values CommonSpirit wants to provide. Thank you!