Fernando Olvera, RN

Fernando was with us all weekend as my husband and his sister navigated their mother's post op agitation. Families are complicated, and we understand that those dynamics come into your workplace, and we were determined not to be a family that had a lot of drama. But we also know that some of us have loud voices and our own brand of chaos.

My mother-in-law went from unresponsive... to calling out... to being a confused version of her oppositional self, all within 72 hours. Fernando had a professional presence while we advocated with neuro and psych for an agitated woman. He fostered rapport with my agitated mother-in-law and became someone she trusted while she remained confused. He was gentle with her care and never seemed to have any other patients except her. His ability to make our family feel like we were the only ones there seemed to come easily. He was quick to contact pharmacy when orders weren't through. He had grace and humility with his cool assertiveness.

I knew these days post op would be unpredictable. And I know my husband's family dynamic. Fernando embraced our humor and was a pleasant companion in this first weekend of what I know will be a long rehab. I hope he knows how his cool, calm demeanor helps the patients and families he works with.