George took time out of his day to play the banjo for a patient who loves bluegrass music. The prior day a nurse tried for a long time to find bluegrass music on the radio, which was a difficult task. This information got back to George and because George is an outstanding nurse he took the opportunity to bring hope, healing, and wellness to that patient with his talent for music. George exemplifies our core values and our Mission here at Saint Joseph Hospital each day that enters the building. George's passion for nursing and excellence (always learning and honing his skills every opportunity he can) is displayed with his patients on 5a, his interactions with the medical staff and his unselfish ability to help other areas when in need. My favorite quote is from Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". George does not come to work every day just for a paycheck he comes to bring wellness, healing and hope to our patients and families.
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My husband G had a massive heart attack and had a low chance of survival. With the help of God and many medical professionals, he survived and is getting better each day. Through this journey, his body developed many complications. He survived an emergency 4 vessel bypass and an unexpected return to surgery the next morning for bleeding. He improved but each day was a challenge with different systemic problems-lungs, stroke, kidneys, liver, and bowels. Finally, his body was starting to heal, but he was not ready to wake up and respond to family or verbal commands. He remained on the ventilator and was scheduled for a trach and PEG tube. The day prior, I believe God sent a young man, George Barnette to play banjo for G to reach him. (G loves bluegrass music and plays banjo himself.) Mr. Barnette used his personal break time away from his patients on his floor to help my husband. Hallelujah! G tapped his toes to the music! Then he emphatically nodded his head "no" to a question from his nurse about watching football on TV. I knew then G was returning to us. His trach and PEG tube procedures were canceled for the next morning. All his doctors, nurses, and other team members worked diligently to care for him and get him off the ventilator. After 13 days on the ventilator, G was extubated, weak but alert. We still had several hurdles to jump but we will never forget the "banjo man" with his selflessness and music that triggered G's return to us and reality. Our family and friends would like to thank Mr. Barnette from the bottom of our hearts for his part in G's return to us.