My husband was a cardiac patient and he had a stent implanted through a groin catheter. Russell was his nurse. M has dementia and would not lie flat. Russell stayed with him nearly every minute. M caused the site to bleed and Russell held his hands on M's groin for 20 minutes. All the while M was very confrontational, and Russell stayed calm and so kind. He watched over M constantly.
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When I first met Russ, I was in a bad place health wise and mentally. Having Russ as my nurse was the best thing that could have happened to me. He assured me no one was judging me. He thought I was a fighter and brave. He told the night nurse she lucked out with me as her patient because I was always smiling and I was uplifting and positive. I was crying happy tears. Anytime I was down, Russ came in always with a smile and a way to cheer me up. He made me (and his patients) feel like his friend. A friend who will be there for you and take care of you. We joked and I laughed and even though I was going through a particularly hard time, he made it better. Another outstanding moment.
A little information about myself, I have a rare autoimmune disease along with other diseases and issues. I told some of this - a lot of this - to Russ and he listened, and learned, came back with information, and was well informed for the nurses at shift change. Honestly, Russ embodies everything that makes a perfect nurse. His bedside manner is impeccable. As I said, he always has a smile. Russ stood out to me when I left the hospital and it is because he went above and beyond. As of right now, Russ is not my nurse, but I am on the telemetry floor. Russ popped by and grinned when he saw me, gowned up and came in, helped me with a problem, and asked why I was in once again. I'm going through a painful process, but it is hard not to have a positive attitude around him.
When it comes down to it, Russ is a true DAISY Nurse. I remembered him as one of the best and my favorite nurse. He made my stay with his positive attitude and caring. The only time I have requested to have a specific nurse was when Russ was not assigned to me. I would request him now knowing he's here and would absolutely turn my frown into a smile. I have been a patient at this hospital since I was 9 and I am 27 now. I have had a lot of amazing and wonderful nurses. I know this hospital inside and out and please trust me when I say this man is a wonderful nurse.