My husband was recently admitted to the hospital through the emergency room. We spent two days there and believed that he couldn’t be in a better place nor have a better nurse. I went to the hospital that night and was greeted by my husband’s nurse, Rhode, who had just come on duty. I cannot imagine a more caring and competent person. He had just returned from taking my husband to his MRI, and as I began to tell him all my husband’s needs, he interrupted because he already knew each and every one of them. Since it was late, he told me to go home and come back in the morning. He assured me he would take care of things and it would be okay. I asked him if he would even put his mouth to my husband’s ear and say, “Goodnight, baby cakes,” then kiss him on the forehead. He assured me he would, and I believed him. At that point, he put his arm around me and walked me to the elevator. The next morning at 630am, I was greeted at the unit by Rhode, who was holding two cups of coffee and asked me if I took it black or with cream and sugar!

I cannot believe in this overworked, stressful environment, there is a person like Rhode who understands completely what family and patients are experiencing and does his best to reassure, care for, and comfort. He’s a Gem!!