On Tuesday November 4 we were blindsided. Heading home from a radiation treatment, my husband C suffered a stroke. It was terrifying to see the effects and anticipating the course the event would take. C received excellent care in the ED. Once a bed was available we moved to the A3 Unit. After speaking with Doctor, I knew that the drug therapy outcomes would not be apparent until the next morning. I went home. I arrived Wednesday morning at 8am Patricia introduced herself to me as C's nurse. I immediately witnessed the care and efficiency with which she treated C. Early in the day she explained the oxygen number. She was very patient with me and respectful of my questions and concerns. She also prepared me for putting C on a ventilator. After reading C's living will, she assessed the situation and explained the implications of making the decision to use the ventilator. How wonderful! She took the time to read his will. It was amazing since C was not her only patient, but I always felt he was. Patricia prepared me for the ventilator decision long before I had to make it. I am and will always be grateful for her proactive approach in this matter. With this knowledge, I had time to weigh the decision and call relatives. Patricia's professionalism in this discussion and discussion with doctors and other nurses eased my mind and again made me realize the exceptional care my husband was receiving.

Patricia's teamwork skills made transitions between shifts seamless. I know C was as comfortable as possible given the situation. When the ventilator was removed, upon his son's arrival, Patricia made sure C remained pain free by regularly administering medication. But beyond Patricia's exceptional care for my husband, she made a huge difference in my ability to comprehend and deal with this illness. She had answers or resources for all my questions. My gratitude cannot be expressed in words; how much Patricia meant to me, thank you forever!