I first met Shane when my father was admitted to the University. He started on the 4th floor but later moved to the 5th floor. By the time I arrived, Shane had already filled my family in on my dad's condition. Even though it was the fourth time explaining what was going on, he took his time and went through everything again. He explained everything to us in words we understood. He encouraged us to ask questions. When the doctor came in, Shane's interaction with him showed us his knowledge and experience is respected by his colleagues. Shane was very compassionate. My dad was basically unresponsive. Later, after an MRI, we would learn there was no brain activity. While I watched him with my dad just doing simple tasks such as rolling him over. He spoke in a caring and comforting tone, telling him what they were doing each step of the way. He even referred to him as "friend" while talking to him.
Our situation was unique in that we had the immediate family, but also a longtime girlfriend whom not all family members approved of. Shane did an excellent job of being supportive to the family and still respectful to the significant other. He made it clear we were all there for my dad to help him heal. He remained optimistic for us while delivering not so great news. He consistently asked if we needed anything.
My final example of his compassion was while my family was in the hallway waiting to say goodbye for the last time to my dad. Shane walked by, smiled and said hi. My aunt asked where he was all night. He told us he had been covering another unit. He, of course, asked how my dad was. We told him the bad news, that we were removing his tube and the doctors felt he would pass soon after that. The look of sheer sympathy and sorrow was written all over Shane's face. He expressed how sorry he was for our loss. I can confidently say Shane delivered the best care for my dad as the patient and to all of us as the family members and loved ones. Even though we were only in the hospital for a short time, my family is grateful for Shane's care.