My mother-in-law was a patient in the ICU with terminal conditions, which was news to our family. This was after losing my father-in-law less than 5 months prior. Our family was still in mourning, and to learn of my mother-in-law's passing was devastating and felt as if I had been hit with a ton of bricks. When the decision was made to move towards comfort care, this was a lot to process in a very short period.

Darius was her assigned nurse, and from the moment she entered the ICU, he was not only outstanding to her but to us as the family. His attentiveness, education, and comfort were beyond the standard care but exceptional. Each time entering the room within minutes of each other, he not only addressed us but also my mother-in-law. The goal of eliminating pain and allowing comfort was met not only by the administration of meds but also by Darius's calm and confident presence. We as a family could focus our last minutes with her solely versus the need to advocate for her. Darius was completing these steps consistently. Even when my mother-in-law was in full comfort and unable to engage, he still addressed her and remained in communication with her about every step that took place. He treated her with compassion and integrity as he did to her whole family. An extremely heartbreaking experience where we could ensure our last day with her was focused on us loving her and saying our goodbyes was done so with the utmost care possible. The entire ICU team, including the doctor, was exemplary.