Max is a fantastic nurse and has developed into a leader of our ICU. Max has the “leads by example” leadership style and is known for his attention to the details, however big or small. For example, Max spends time cleaning his patients and their rooms every shift to make sure the environment and the foundation are set for a great shift and that the patient feels personally cared for. He is not one that you are going to hear a lot from vocally, but you will see him doing what needs done! He is always helping his co-workers and rarely puts himself first. He is also such a pleasure to work with! He recently exemplified all of this with one of his patients named D. D’s sister wrote the following nomination:

My brother, D, was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident and was flown to EIRMC. Max was our night shift nurse. Max took care of us during our week stay. I think Wednesday was his last day, and we were sad to see him leave, but Max took additional shifts to stay with our family. Each night when Max came in, he took the time to talk with our family and bring us so much comfort during a difficult time. Each night when Max worked he would ensure my brother was clean and took the time to help keep him comfortable and kept his face clean and would have him ready for us every morning when we would get back to be with my brother. My brother was set to be an organ donor, so Max took shifts to stay with us, and on the last night, he was assigned to be with us as my brother passed away. Max talked with us, laughed with us, and cried with us. Max was so compassionate, and we all feel so fortunate that Max was so kind and took on additional shifts to stay with our family. The last time I got to see Max was when they took my brother to the operating room to harvest his organs for donation. I wish I would have been able, at the time, to tell Max that he made a difference and how thankful I was to have someone as caring as him with us for this trying time. In the days, weeks, and months after my brother's passing, I kept thinking about Max and wishing there was some kind of way to thank him. I hope he is doing well, and I hope he knows that our family just loves him, and we still think of him and appreciate him more than words can describe. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Max!