My father was brought up from the Emergency Department to the third-floor Cardiac Unit, then moved that same night to the ICU. He was having fainting episodes from a low heart rate. The following morning, I met his nurse in the ICU, Travis. When I entered my father's room, Travis was explaining to my father the procedures that would occur later in the day. He was very thorough in his explanations as well as kind. My father is 82 years old and has difficulty hearing some things, but Travis made sure he explained everything, so my dad could understand.
Travis was extremely professional to my father and all my family - my mother, sister, son, and daughter. He welcomed my entire family and never showed any sort of frustration when answering our questions. During the afternoon, my sister saw a large recliner out at the nurse's station and asked if we could use it for our mother. He replied "of course!" and brought the chair into the room for her. The chair remained in the room until the evening and my mom ended up staying the night in that chair. It allowed her to remain with my dad all night. After dad's x-ray had been read after his pacemaker procedure, dad really wanted a cup of coffee. As soon as Travis knew that dad was cleared by the doctor to have fluids and food, he immediately came into the room and asked, "Sugar? Cream or black?" and brought dad a cup.
Every time Travis was in to check on my dad, he would always ask all of us if we needed anything. He incorporated his patient, as well as his patient's family, into his care. He told my dad that he would be in again before he left for the evening. He came in and let dad know he was going home and that he would be back again in the morning. My father was very impressed with his kindness and professionalism.
Travis was also very concerned with my dad being comfortable, and he was able to, within a reasonable amount of time, get much-needed pain medication for my dad. It helped dad immensely and dad was looking and feeling so much better in the evening after his procedure.
I believe my dad was lucky to encounter such a thoughtful, gifted nurse. I'm sure my dad's recovery will be quicker because of the fantastic care he received. Thank you.