My mother was admitted to ICU the last week of November with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. It was unexpected, she had been relatively healthy for an 86-year-old until this episode.
She was not from Jacksonville and had reservations about being cared for by male nurses, primarily due to lack of experience in her past with this. She was very alert and oriented to her surroundings during her stay and all these factors made her very apprehensive. All the ICU staff was wonderful and reassuring, but Jake had her at nighttime and took care of her for 5 different nights. I had stayed with her every night and was so surprised when she told me to go home. She told me, "Jake takes such good care of me. I'm fine. You go home and rest." She trusted him. He cared for her with kindness, gentleness, and professionalism. He was attentive so she knew he would be there if she needed someone.
Unfortunately, my mother was unable to win her battle on her terms and Jake was instrumental in listening to her and allowing her to die with the dignity and peace she wanted. He was at her side making sure she was not suffering in any way. He was also there for me and the other family members, supporting us, being there for us, making sure we had what we needed during those difficult hours of the loss. Thank you, Jake, for your skillful, compassionate care!