Tim admitted my mother on a Monday night from the ED. We had spent a very long, confusing, and frightening day in the ED after my mother arrived by squad from home. My mother was experiencing cardiac and neurological symptoms and no clear cause could be found. She was afraid, confused, and disoriented, and in significant pain and distress. Tim met her with a warm smile and held her hand. He was kind, patient, present, and truly concerned. Tim took care of HER - not the monitors and equipment. He made a connection to her.

During the 12-hour night shift, she became more confused and more afraid. She frequently called out verbally and begged for someone to sit with her, dispel her fears, and comfort her. Between his patients, Tim returned to her side, sat with her, held her hand, and prayed with her. He talked to her, and dispelled as many of her fears as he could - even though many of them were completely irrational. Tim did not ask for sedation to quiet her - he instead provided her the comfort and care she needed to settle herself.

Tim embodies the heart and soul of nursing. Meeting her medical needs was easy - meeting her spiritual and emotional needs took extra time, patience, and empathy - which in this age of technology is frequently lacking. Tim has a true and pure heart as a caregiver and my mother and I were blessed to be greeted and cared for by him. Please know the gem that St. E's has in Tim.