Alex is a saint who walks among us. In the last 10 years since my mother's kidney transplant, we've been at NM numerous times. Alex is, hands down, by far, the most incredible nurse we've ever encountered. In the 12 hours leading up to my mother's passing, Alex showed more compassion and warmth than one could imagine. Given the circumstances, there was a flood of emotions for my father and me. She calmly talked to us every step of the way. She ensured us she would do whatever we wanted and needed to help make, not only my mother comfortable, but both of us.
My father had recently had knee replacement surgery. My mother's death was unexpected, so he was dealing with tremendous pain, both physically and emotionally. Alex took care of him as if he was a patient, as well. She got him ice packs for his knee, made sure it was elevated and always checked on his pain. Hospital furniture is very uncomfortable and she tried her best to make it slightly less miserable.
Alex never stopped that day. My mom was hooked up to every machine possible; her entire fragile body was shutting down. I never saw Alex sit during her entire shift. I don't know how she kept up with all that was happening, but she worked swiftly and diligently, never once slowing. No matter the question, Alex had the answer. You could see in her eyes that she understood our pain and was willing to do whatever possible to help the situation. She assisted when we had unwanted relatives arrive, she conveyed messages to the doctors when we were just done repeating ourselves, and she respectfully talked to my mother as if she was still very much a thriving patient.
Alex was and is an angel. She is an incredible nurse: strong, detailed, understanding, tender, and kind. We are convinced she was put on this earth to help families like ours during our darkest hours. We can never truly express how we felt about her.