Just around this time last year my husband suffered a stroke at the age of 52. Although we knew he came from a strong family history, you always think it cannot happen to you or someone close to you. He was admitted to Kennedy through the ER where the doctor there made an executive decision to do an MRI to further confirm. After confirmation was made he was then transferred to ICU. Here is where he spent the next five days filled with uncertainty and fear. I will say that all the staff from the beginning to end demonstrated nothing but professionalism and respect. However, there always seems to be that one that stands out the most in your mind and heart. A stranger initially but then takes you and your family under their wing and impacts your stay. My youngest son has health issues so I can truly say that I stand on both sides of healthcare, first working in the hospital and secondly being the patient or the patient's mother. I find myself with higher expectations from everyone from the front door to the attending, all having an impact and each individual providing something different. Nonetheless, embedded forever in your memory.

That one person who stood out to me was Rob Levin. When one hears the word "Nurse" your first thought is that it is a female. Well that is not the case in this instance. A male nurse brings something different to the table, I cannot explain it, and it just does.

Rob demonstrated a strong sense of safety and knowledge that he was there and was going to do all that he knew to be true. He assured my husband that he would take all necessary steps to ensure that he was in good hands. There were a few moments where things could have gone in the negative direction, without hesitation he called the attending to ask for his guidance, never assuming anything. He came in to check on my husband throughout the night, just enough but not overbearing. He took the time to explain everything to both of us, showing knowledge, strength, and compassion. I never felt like I was asking a dumb question or that I was bothering him. One never knows someone else's story. Rob took all the extra steps to make an overwhelming scary situation just a little calmer in those nights in Kennedy's ICU. I think he deserves to be acknowledged.