Gabrielle Downs, BSN, RN

My aunt was in the hospital for 18 days. The day I saw her, Gabby greeted us calmly, knowing that what we were about to see would probably shock us. The first thing she did was ask us if we wanted water. She then offered another chair and, after that, described the meds hooked up through the IV. She went over the tubing and what it was in place for.

She spoke quietly and was not rushed. She asked us if we had questions and then proceeded to answer all the questions with confidence. She wasted no time finding the doctor as we had a goals of care meeting. Gabby was attentive to our needs and did it with empathy, as we knew we would be making the decision to take my aunt off the vent, which would end her life. 

Her patience with a grieving family was extraordinary. Her knowledge and wanting to explain the machines, tubes, and meds hooked up to my aunt was wonderful.