Dom provided extraordinary care to my father during his recovery from open-heart mitral valve repair. On my father’s first night on 6 East, he experienced a severe bout of delirium. He didn’t recognize his surroundings, believed he was in a motel, and thought Dom was a burglar trying to steal his belongings. Despite this extremely challenging situation, Dom remained calm, confident, and compassionate, treating my father with dignity even when he was being very difficult.

Recognizing that the situation was becoming unmanageable, Dom took the initiative to call me, his son, so I could help ground my father and allow care to continue. That call made all the difference. Without his insight and willingness to involve family, I doubt my father’s care that night would have gone as smoothly. Dom went even further, allowing me to stay with my father overnight, which immediately put him at ease.

When I arrived at 2:00 a.m., a bed alarm sounded from my father’s room. Despite my being only a few steps away, Dom reacted instantly, reaching my father’s bedside before I could, and prevented him from going far or leaving his external pacemaker behind. I truly believe Dom’s quick reaction, composure under pressure, and confidence in his nursing skills prevented a serious complication and helped keep my father’s recovery on track.

His professionalism, empathy, and decisive action are the very definition of exceptional nursing. If I ever require care on 6 East, I will specifically request Dom as he is, without question, a top-notch nurse.