My elderly father was quite ill and had been hospitalized for 8 days with continual new complications daily. After an incredibly difficult day, we made the decision to transfer him to the Palliative Care Unit. That day, we met his nurse, Amy. The following day, my father was discharged to Good Shepherd Hospice. He quickly further declined, and upon our insistence, was brought back to LRH's Palliative Care, where Amy had a bed waiting for us, instead of being sent to the Tampa Hospice House where we were told we would not be able to remain with him.
When my mom and I arrived at LRH around 9:00 p.m., to our surprise Amy was still there, even though she was scheduled to leave at 7:00 p.m. She told us that she was so sorry for what we had gone through that day. She also told us that she would be working the next several days, and would take care of my dad every day. Before she left that night, she assured us he was in good hands. The following days, Amy would update us each morning about my dad's night. She let us know what she was doing to make my dad more comfortable. As time went on, Amy always answered our every question and made a point of asking us how we were doing, showing so much compassion towards my family.
Nearing the end of my father's life, Amy suggested we play some of my dad's favorite songs and continue talking to him. She continued to comfort all of us until my dad passed. She told us many times that my dad was her prince on the floor, and that she just loved him and my mom. Amy is an angel in her job. She deserves all the recognition that can be given to her, and so much more.