Mindy Vuu was the primary nurse caring for my father-in-law. He was admitted to M3 for a possible heart issue and some abnormal lab tests. Also, as a family we have noticed he is becoming more forgetful. Mindy was always smiling. She was extraordinarily patient with a somewhat grumpy geriatric patient who did not always follow directions. Each time she rounded on him, they would go through the same question/answer discussion: "How much longer am I gonna be here?" "When can I walk the hall?" and "Why do I have all these wires strapping me down?"

My family and I witnessed her patiently explain all the details over and over again; she did not get irritated. She never got overwhelmed. She was professional, kind, and caring. She would laugh at his jokes, which would lighten the mood and make time pass pleasantly. Mindy made sure my family and I felt welcome in the room and on the unit. She helped coordinate his care; he even got to see the podiatrist, which was extra special.

Obviously, healthcare workers are inundated with technology, phone calls, equipment, and advanced illnesses, but Mindy always made us feel like we were a priority. It was a pleasant reminder that while healthcare is becoming more and more complicated, nurses like Mindy make the experience more humane.

Thank you, Mindy.