Monday will be a day that I will never forget, but that also means I will never forget Brian. It was on this day that I received a call that my grandmother had fallen unresponsive and appeared to be having a stroke. She was at home with my sons, who called 911, and my grandmother was transported to Memorial.
I have worked in healthcare for most of my career, which probably makes the situation worse because my expectations are high. I can remember rushing to the ED, arriving and waiting for what seemed like forever for my grandmother to return to her ED room. Upon returning it was very noticeable that she was having a stroke. And even though the next few hours are a blur, the one thing I can remember is the care that Brian gave her.
I knew the situation was critical, and Brian never left her side. He was bilingual, which really made my grandmother feel at ease. His nursing skills were exceptional. He took the time to complete a thorough neuro assessment, he was so attentive and explained everything to her and to me. He took time with her, even though she would get confused, he never rushed her. In a time of stress and fear, he was an angel, shining over us that day.
I have always known that nursing is a calling. Brian is an example of this. He was completely focused on her care. Given her age, and given the fact that she was receiving alteplase, her blood pressure wasn't stable, he delicately approached me about making her a do not resuscitate. I know how hard that can be. But, he was so sincere and delivered it in a manner that was so comforting. I knew he had our best interests at heart. He got case management involved, and we initiated the paperwork in the ED. I was well informed, he answered all my questions, and supported our decision.
In a moment in time when everything seems to be falling apart, and it is the worse day of your life. God sends us angels, and Brian was one that day. He gave us hope and reassurance in a time we faced some of the hardest decisions we ever had to make. He never faltered once in his care, and his sincerity shined through. I honestly don't know if we could have made it through that day without his nursing care.
I just watched my grandmother walk in therapy the other day at Rehab. I know in my heart that Brian's care and quick reactions attributed to her outcome, which is better than I could have hoped for. Brian will always hold a special place in our hearts, and I know his healing hands will affect many others that he will come across, and they will be as lucky as us!