I was transported to the ER by ambulance on Tuesday evening, 7/23 with stroke symptoms. I was admitted into the hospital early morning on Wednesday, 7/24. I was put on the Stroke unit. Eric started his shift that morning at 7:00am and came in to introduce himself to me and my husband. He was very warm and welcoming and I knew instantly that I was in good hands. I had many tests run that day starting with an MRI and Carotid Ultrasound. Before each test Eric was great at letting me know what to expect. He put me at ease during a very difficult time. We instantly had a great connection. I felt very comfortable around him and felt like I could talk to him about anything.

On Thursday, 7/25 I was given a drug called DHE which was administered via a push through my IV. Eric was my nurse that day so he was the one that administered the drug to me as ordered by my doctor. I immediately had an adverse reaction to the medicine which dropped my heart rate down to the low 30's and my blood pressure was through the roof. The RRT (Rapid Response Team) was called and my room was immediately filled with hospital personnel. They began working on me trying to get me stabilized. I remember losing consciousness several times but each time I opened my eyes I saw Eric right by my side along with my husband. They both had a fear in their eyes that I will never forget.

After I was stabilized Eric stayed right by my side assuring me that everything was ok (even though it wasn't) and making me as comfortable as possible. After about 20 minutes it all happened again and it was then that I was wheeled down to the CCU where I stayed for 2 days. During those 2 days Eric called and checked on me several times. On Saturday evening, 7/27 I was moved back up to the Stroke unit. Eric was on shift but I was not one of his patients. That didn't matter. He immediately came in to check on me and even sat down and talked with me about how I was feeling along with my experience in the CCU. He was called away to tend to his own patients but continued to pop in on me throughout the remainder of his shift that ended at 7:00pm.

The following day was Sunday and Eric had come in to work with some of the other nurses with the "Go Live". He came in several times to check on me and at one point my heart rate had jumped up very high due to getting out of bed to try and wash my hair. Eric was the first one in my room to check on me and help me back into bed. I was discharged later that evening and Eric insisted he be the one to wheel me down to my car.

I can't say enough about Eric's professionalism and commitment to his patients. He always had a positive attitude even in the most stressful situations. I feel he is more than worthy of this award. Saint Joseph Hospital should be proud to have such an outstanding nurse on their staff. It was an honor and privilege to have Eric as my nurse during my stay.