My 92-year-old mother was admitted with blood clots to the lungs. She had developed dementia 2 months prior to this due to a UTI. She was very delusional upon admission into the ER. I was denied being able to go with her when they got her a room due to COVID. I asked over a 2 day period to please let me stay with her because of her condition, to no avail.

I got a hold of Dakota St. Andre by chance because he was one of her night nurses. I had talked to him and told him my story. He made a call that turned our situation around and got me ok'd to come at 11:00 at night and be able to stay with my mom. It was life-changing for my mom to not be alone. Actually, for us both, we are never apart and depend on each other. No one had shown the compassion that Dakota has shown; he saw my mom needed me even though it meant having to ask a hospital administrator late at night. My admission came with restrictions, of course, and he told me what that would be. No leaving the room for duration of my stay with her. Dakota told me he’d get a recliner for me to sleep in by her. He told me how to get in the hospital that night. He told me he’d meet me when I got there. He was talking to my mom in her room when I arrived. She was doing nothing but asking for me. Her face lit up when she saw me. I’ve no words to describe what a decent young nurse Dakota St. Andre is and will, I’m sure always be. He has a place in our hearts. He went the extra mile when no one else would and he should be commended. 

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Dakota was a very caring nurse to me during my stay. He helped my daughter with a lot by her getting to stay with me during my hospital stay. I have the beginning of dementia and needed her help. No one was able to help us, it seemed, until my daughter got in touch with him. He went the extra mile to help and we appreciate it.