Carey was our dad's nurse during most of his stay in the ICU. My dad had been found unconscious and in DKA. On his admission day, she did a wonderful job of stabilizing his BP, helped bring his blood sugar down, and helped to clean him up. She was so kind to my brother, sister, and me. She tried to encourage us, keep our hopes up, and make sure we were comfortable and informed. As a nurse myself and feeling helpless not to help, she let me assist her in some of his care; bed bath, and changing of position. But she was adamant, especially the day he passed, that I take the time to be a family member and not a caregiver.

Carey was also his nurse on the day he passed. Hospice had not shown up the night before and we were still waiting late the next morning. She informed us his comfort care orders would be the same as what was written by the current ICU doctor as well as if hospice came in. We were so thankful for her initiative in informing us. It allowed us to let Dad go peacefully more quickly. Her kind demeanor as the day went on was wonderful.

When he passed, the unit was extremely busy. She quickly went in search of a doctor to proclaim him deceased. She let us have all the time we wanted and needed to be with him. She cleaned him up and allowed him to look more peaceful while we waited on transport from the funeral home. Carey's sense of humor was a wonderful distraction early in the week. She was able to laugh along with us while still caring for Dad. Laughter is often the best medicine. We are forever grateful for Carey's kind, loving, and compassionate care. Even with the unit so busy the day he passed, she never made us feel rushed and never rushed out of his room.