I am writing to express my gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Nurse Ruben. His kindness and dedication to his patients have been nothing short of remarkable. My mother has been in the ICU for months and faced a lot of obstacles and conditions. When he's assigned or just helping the nurse assigned to her, he reassures her comfort and understanding. As a daughter who consistently visits and sees the hard work he and a few others do tirelessly, I appreciate how attentive he is to her, especially with her fragile mental state. He is always so patient with her when she's confused, grumpy, or frustrated. He treats her with dignity and respect even when I am not around. My mom always tells me. "Ruben helped me today," "Ruben made my day today," "Ruben comforted me when I was scared." This is consistent during his shifts. He always goes above and beyond, like making sure she has her favorite blanket (her Mickey) and that the red scarf is on her head. He always checks in even during his down time, he shows genuine concern for her well being physically and mentally. One instance that stands out is when other nurses were struggling to stabilize her blood pressure. His swift action made a significant difference in my mom’s condition, and I am truly grateful for that.

Ruben has an empathic approach to her when he's here; he understands the importance of small victories, like getting to the chair. Unlike some nurses who would accept her refusal, he respects her decisions but gently encourages her, explaining the significance of these moments in her progress. That level of care, patience and understanding should be a prime example of how patients should be treated. She understood that it is a crucial step in her recovery. After that, she was willing to get in the chair more.

His passion for his work and genuine kindness is heartwarming. Having conversations can really help one who’s scared in a different place. I appreciate the days that I can't make it, he makes sure she's okay and gives her entertainment even if it'd just for a few seconds. It means the world to me and my mom of course. His exceptional care, unwavering compassion, and ability to bring light into the lives of his patients make him deserving of this honor.