Matt Sturm is a phenomenal nurse who embodies AdventHealth’s principles every day, with every single patient, every single time. Before becoming a nurse, Matt saved many communities (including Porter’s) as a paramedic. Matt’s extensive knowledge provided him with invaluable knowledge, a broad worldview, and a deep love and respect for his patients. I had the privilege of having Matt as my preceptor for my senior practicum in nursing school, and now I am lucky enough to have him as a sounding board and a co-worker. Not only has Matt taught me most of the emergency skills I know, but he has also taught me how to love and care for my patients. Most nurses get into the field because they want to help people, and watching Matt meet each patient where they are and build trusting relationships so quickly shows that he is exactly where he is meant to be. Every time Matt leaves a patient’s room, he makes sure to ask if they are comfortable and warm enough. Just by ensuring the basic needs of our patients, he expresses to them how much he cares about and loves them.

One story comes to mind that shows how Matt exemplifies our service standards. Matt and I cared for one patient six times during my senior practicum. The patient was dealing with substance abuse and addiction. From the first time we cared for them, you could tell their situation was worsening. He had a phone and a permanent address the first time we saw them but didn’t have either the last time. Matt made sure to make the patient as comfortable as possible by greeting them with a warm blanket and a familiar face. One of the last times we cared for this patient together, Matt went out of his way to get the patient a clean pair of clothes, a bag of snacks, a bus pass, and take-home Narcan. Matt sat at the patient’s bedside and told him that when they were ready, he would help him get resources to get sober. Matt taught him how to use the take-home Narcan and told him he was worth more than his circumstances. After the patient was discharged, Matt and I discussed how being kind and respectful to patients like this one gives us the power to be the final encouragement that any patient needs to change.

Matt cares for each patient with the thought that he could be the turning point in their life, whether that be spiritually, medically, or emotionally. Matt is the nurse you want to care for anyone you love. Matt’s patients and AdventHealth porter should realize how lucky we are to have him serving our community!