Recently, Dallas Texas succumbed to below-freezing temperatures which resulted in road closures due to hazardous conditions making highways and bridges impassable. This inclement weather brought about school and work closures which lasted for 4 days which had significantly impacted staffing in hospitals across North Texas as people called in to work and stayed home. Staff shortage was very apparent in our hospital as there were delays in the delivery of care to our patients.  

Every Year, Andrew has exemplified his due diligence and dedication to the nursing profession by not missing any working day due to severe weather patterns. In fact, for many years Andrew has worked in PACU, he has offered to carpool with his peers who have difficulty driving on icy roads. He would go out of his way and come in early to work making sure his coworkers arrived on time. He also would stay beyond his shift to offer them a ride back home.  

The night of the below-freezing temperatures, Andrew drove his peers to and from work. His last carpool mate for the day slipped and fell on the ice while walking in her driveway from Andrew’s car. She was in severe pain and suffered from 3 breaks to her upper left arm making her more immobilized on the icy driveway. Andrew’s routine of waiting for his passengers to enter their house prior to driving off helped her tremendously. Had Andrew left right away, she would have been left alone in the bitter cold helpless as there were no people outside due to the weather. Andrew’s quick thinking and reflexes prompted him to rush to her side while he himself had a hard time walking on the ice. He brought a blanket and rolled her on it so he may remove her from the ice and onto the grass. Andrew did not leave her side until the paramedics came. Andrew’s efforts and selflessness saved her from what could have been a far worse situation.  

I would like to recognize Andrew. His altruism, kindness, and compassion have not only been evident in the situation aforementioned but also have been exemplified in how Andrew has provided care over the years to the people he takes care of. He has been a great listener and advocate for his patients which has aided in the safe passage of delivery of care. He has been a role model and the perfect example of a true caregiver as demonstrated by his character, positivity, willingness to help, compassion, kindness, and strength not by his words but by his actions and faith in God.  

Andrew is an exceptional human being. He embodies the characteristics of what a nurse should be – humble, selfless, giving & mindful of the needs of others. Kudos to you, Andrew. We are blessed and fortunate to have you on our team. Congratulations.