Gabe was part of my mom’s care team at the beginning of her stay. He quickly set a standard that has been hard to equal. He set a real connection with my mom, who could not be more different than him in age and life experience. He then extended that rapport to me in a way that almost instantly made me comfortable asking questions or for advice. He demonstrated a willingness to provide help, comfort, and compassion that made my mom miss him when his tour of duty on her care team was over. He then took one step beyond and checked in on her another day when he was working on the other side of the floor. He had no obligation to do so! This cheered my mother up so much.

He also demonstrated a level of technical competence that combined with his rapport–building skills, made me much more confident and comfortable while he was caring for my mom. He was one of the only nurses I knew would pass on detailed messages and requests to his relief and follow up to ensure they were executed appropriately. For such a young man, he certainly demonstrates an old soul. There are several people who are good at what they do. There are fewer who are doing what God/Universe called them to do. He is clearly the latter, and Henry Ford should ensure that he has a long and successful career here, as I will tell anyone I meet who is looking for a nurse that I have met one of the best. I hope he stays at Henry Ford, as my mom prefers it over any other health system in the area, but this nurse, Gabe Ramirez, will be a Rock Star no matter where his career takes him. Thank you, Gabe, for helping my mom get a little bit better!

Congratulations, Gabriel Ramirez!