When rounding with a patient, she shared about the care she had received and when she began to share about this particular nurse, she said, “He needs to be recognized.” This patient retired from CHRISTUS and knew all about the associate awards and wanted this nurse to be nominated and recognized. I simply asked the question – What makes this nurse stand out above, here is how she responded.

"Attitude!’ He is positive and upbeat. He checks in on you. He makes you feel like you are his only patient (when I know that he has a full load, I do not feel like it, my needs matter). When he rounds, he consistently says, "See ya before I leave." He is considerate and concerned.

An example of this: I have a more difficult time swallowing pills, especially bigger ones. This nurse took time to research if the pill could be crushed. At first, he made me a med slush and now I take it in the pudding. This may be a small little thing, but the time he took to make this happen, made me feel special and cared for. His consistent response is, “Sure thing, no problem, no worries.” He is so very welcoming.

Since I have been here for a bit he makes sure that he is my nurse, and the few times he was not able to be my nurse for the day, he came in with the nurse that would be caring for me. Again the personal touch he made to make me feel cared for and my very capable hands meant so very much. There was a particular day when I had been really tired and needed rest but the visitors kept coming. He was so sweet to take the burden off of me with my visitors and very compassionately and politely told them that I needed rest. I knew him a little when I was working but experiencing his nursing care firsthand is “extraordinary!”

He is a team player – even as a patient I have observed him thank others for helping him or completing a task for him or me. I love seeing him energetically enter my room with the nurse badge he wears and I know it is going to be a great day. He is special to me. He is a ray of sunshine and I am blessed to have received his care."

The manager wrote: When you think about what all embodies the CHRISTUS difference you think what does that look like. When I think of Ethan or watch him in his daily routines I think of the CHRISTUS difference. His compassion is what helps patients feel comfortable and safe. His excellence and attention to every detail are what make patients feel like they are not a burden, and that they can count on him. An example of Dignity is just as the patient mentioned above, allowing the patient to rest when it was needed the most. He is honest and true in every encounter with all patients and families. If anyone has the opportunity to work beside him or be cared for by him you will be blessed.