Nick Veuleman, RN, CCRN

My grandmother was transferred to Saint Luke’s from another hospital. When we arrived, we were brought to the Cardiac ICU at Saint Luke’s after extensive testing and monitoring and countless consultations with various doctors and surgeons. During this stressful time, all of the nurses and doctors treated my grandma with endless and genuine compassion.

On the day it was decided that Palliative care was the next step, our family was so blessed to have Nick as grandma’s nurse. He has a great sense of humor paired with a heart of pure gold. He asked her about her life and shared with her about this. Our family was struggling with the news that Grandma will be going to Hospice, and Nick is as intentional about checking in on us as well. Before leaving for the day, Nick asked Grandma if she wanted him to pick her up anything at the store, and he would bring it in the next day. His care was so thoughtful, kind, and thorough. He made her bed to make it more comfortable and fresh.

Grandma was moved overnight out of the ICU, which meant she wouldn’t have Nick as her nurse the next day, and she was disappointed. Shortly after waking up in her new room, Nick made a surprise visit to see her. He gave her a huge hug before saying goodbye. Grandma felt seen, cherished, and respected. He treated her as if she were a part of his family, and we will never forget his kindness.