My mother was a patient in the hospital during May. She, unfortunately, had three admissions through the Emergency Room. The last visit ended with her being a patient for six days prior to her death. While we wished for a different outcome, I wanted to pass along to you, her appreciation for one of your staff members, Jake.
Jake made my mother feel comfortable. She trusted his judgment and even in her final decision making to not pursue further treatment, she asked him for his opinion. In watching him care for her over four days, I observed that care in the form of listening to her, encouraging her, and giving the physical care she required. As a nurse, I can understand the difficulties in caring for patients and appreciate that he made a good connection with her.
Mother had two specific comments about her experiences in those last weeks. One, she would "like to buy them a new ambulance" - the ride to Sioux Falls was excruciating for her. The second - "I should give Jake $50 or $100."
While I expect that such a gift to Jake personally is not allowed, I would like to make a donation to the hospital in his name. That donation should go to a fund that is directed to nurses, either in recognizing them or promoting their education.