Ferdinand Datu, BSN, RN, CNOR

Ferdy provided positive energy and warmth as he introduced himself as the OR nurse to S and me before my fiancée’s retrosigmoid craniotomy. As a family member, he gave me reassurance that he would provide updates throughout the surgery. These were not just updates but friendly calls asking how I was feeling, whether I had eaten, or what I was doing. He understood how anxiety-provoking it was for a family member to be awaiting news while a loved one is in surgery and gave me so much support during those calls. After the surgery, I was able to meet my fiancée in the neurosurgery ICU. She was still a bit delirious from the anesthesia, and I felt quite alone in that moment. Then Ferdy arrived, and it was so reassuring to see a familiar face. He once again asked how I was feeling. These seemingly small gestures made all the difference to my experience as a family member. It’s a challenging time, but people like Ferdy make it bearable.