I want to recognize Nick, not as a fellow employee, but as a daughter. My 92-year-old father was admitted to C2 recently. I am usually the "go to" for all healthcare needs for my father, due to a recent surgery, my sister and her husband were proxies for me.
You can imagine the comfort I felt when I received a text from my sister stating, "I just want you to know how amazing Dad's nurse, Nick has been. He has been so attentive and respectful to Dad." In addition, my dad had an ileostomy for well over 50 years. My brother-in-law was showing Nick a paste that we use to secure his appliance. Nick, with great enthusiasm, asked if he could show the other nurses in his unit!
My sister made a point to call me later in the day to further explain just how special and compassionate Nick was with Dad. She said he always looked directly at Dad when speaking to him. He respectfully referred to Dad as "Mr. L". Dad particularly loved this. Nick took the time to listen to Dad, with patience and concern. Never did he rush Dad, even when Dad was repeating himself.
At one point, Nick was explaining the care that was being provided to Dad to my sister, Dad began to speak. Nick excused himself with my sister and with the greatest respect, gently placed his hand on Dad's arm and stated, "Mr. L, I want to hear what your concern is, what can I do for you?"
Nick appealed to us to encourage Dad to have a picture taken of his ulcer. Dad, unfortunately, refused Nick's request initially. Nick, in his appeal for our assistance, stated, the love of his family may encourage him to have the picture taken. I then had the privilege of watching the gentle manner in which Nick rolled Dad with assistance from his colleague. He explained to Dad exactly what he was doing, prior to executing the task. It was really beautiful.
I have been in healthcare for a long time. I have received care, I have helped family members with their healthcare, and have been a primary support for my Dad's care needs from physician and hospitalization. What was demonstrated by Nick is truly second to none!
I often speak of the patient experience with my staff. I will be speaking for many years to come about what my family has described as "amazing" and I describe as "extraordinary". I venture to guess Nick would offer that "is my job"; I would suggest it is "his calling".
Nick on behalf of myself, my family, and my dad, you have our profound gratitude for the compassionate care, the respect and treating our Dad with the greatest of dignity.