There are amazing nurses who show up and do their jobs efficiently, timely, and with compassion and grace. Those are the nurses that everyone wants, every day, every shift. Then there is Phillip. I have been in and out of this hospital for a good part of the last 4 months, and I have had many wonderful experiences that I have appreciated and even nominated, but my experience with Phillip has moved me beyond some of my best experiences.

After a shift of getting to know me and listening to my story, at 7:50 p.m. last night, Phillip came into my room. I asked, “What are you still doing here? You should be home!”

He said, “Well, your nurse is having some issues, so I am not leaving you sitting here without your medication!”
I was floored by the level of commitment, dedication, and thoughtfulness.

This morning, I woke up to Phillip gently helping me wake up. It was 7:05 a.m., and we had not even done a report. A nurse coming to help you at 7:05 am is unheard of in my experience.

“Good morning! I saw that you got your tray, so I came to give you your enzymes so that you can eat.” Wow!! I started my day bright and with a full heart, appreciative of the outstanding thoughtfulness.

Then my IV failed again, which is an ongoing issue, so we were not surprised. Everyone knew that the IV team was our only hope, and Phillip knew that the timing would be extensive, as my case is not a critical one, but immediately and throughout the entire ordeal, Phillip worked diligently to help me cope with my comfort levels and expectations.

It was more than going above and beyond. It has been a true showing of compassion beyond the average human interaction. I am amazed at the level of attention to detail and the effort put forth by this man, and I am beyond appreciative.

He has kept me informed and has reasonable expectations. He has offered different avenues of distraction and coping, considering that I have to wait for pain management. He has followed up consistently with the IV team to inform me of their timing, and he has worked with my doctor to manage my pain considering the circumstances. These all sound like things that should be done. But the way in which Phillip does it—that’s the key that makes him stand out in the crowd. He performs his duties completely with you in mind, compassionately searching for your needs and going to great lengths to urgently exceed your expectations and needs. In the middle of all of this, he still realizes that I probably would not be eating without pain management on board because of the extensive pain I have with eating, and he pops in before the tray is basically even set down with the question that I needed: “You probably want to wait for your enzymes and eat after you have pain management on board?”

A nurse who can anticipate your every need before you can even think to call about it is truly special. A nurse who cares enough about your comfort to advocate for you urgently and diligently and produce results is exceptional. A nurse who can pay attention to your every need and appear to ensure that you are taken care of to the greatest extent possible deserves recognition. In everything that he does, you can just feel how much he really and truly cares. That is what makes him exceptional.

Thank you, Phillip, for everything. You truly are exceptional, and it has not gone unnoticed.