Michael Gardner, BSN, RN

I was a patient for five days being treated for Covid and bacterial pneumonia. It was an incredibly difficult experience being so sick and to be alone without any visitors. At one point, I was asked if I wanted a chaplain in case my heart stopped beating. Tragically, my healthy father had a cardiovascular event and suddenly passed away. I had talked to him on the phone the night before he passed away for almost 90 minutes. Mike was my nurse when I received the FaceTime call from my brother. My family is in California. I can’t explain how devastating and unexpected this news was. It took a very special nurse to know what to say, how to try to comfort me while I was battling my own illness. Mike was my only contact in the world while I received the worst news of my life! He was calm, strong, and the true caring came through in his voice. I could tell he was bending backward to do everything he could to help me feel better. He ordered me food that he knew I liked when I was too sad to pick up the phone to order myself. He took the initiative and just did it. Thank you, Mike! I will always remember your kindness.