My 91-year-old father with end-stage dementia was admitted to the hospital for dysphagia. Several days later, in the swirl of quick bits of information from doctors, I felt overwhelmed and mostly unclear about how to proceed. I asked Jake a million questions, and he patiently answered them until I finally understood.

Jake has a very quiet but extremely comforting demeanor, and I appreciated that immensely. While his nursing skill was apparent, beyond that, it's the component of human connection that makes a nurse extraordinary. Not only did he provide excellent care for my father and ensure his comfort, but he also took the time to provide emotional care for me.

Specifically, Jake conveyed empathy by mentioning shared experience, and that stayed with me. When I decided to camp out beside my father's bedside, Jake personally went on a search for a recliner for me at the end of his shift. Finally, at the end of that shift, before his day off, I overheard the patient in the next bed thanking him for his extraordinary service and telling Jake that he's a wonderful nurse. I voiced my agreement. We're all big fans of Jake!