I had the opportunity to observe Rey Espino deal with a very difficult family situation over the course of several days. We had a young male patient who was 29 years old and suffered an insult to his brain. He developed brain death over the course of his ICU stay. This particular patient's family was having a hard time understanding the prognosis as well as the clinical picture of brain death. Even with the neurologist and physicians discussing the prognosis and the patient's condition, the family could not accept this diagnosis. Rey spent multiple evenings and hours at the bedside listening to this family empathetically and without judgment. He reiterated the patient's prognosis and listened attentively to the family in such a way that was so compassionate. The family developed a trust and relationship with Rey. At the time when they decided to disconnect life support, Rey came in on his day off to be with the family and comfort them through this process. He went above and beyond for this patient and the difficult situation it was.
In addition to helping with this family on the day of his death, Rey made himself available to me during my mother's death. Rey has had past experience with hospice and I was having questions regarding my mother's hospice situation and dealing with the hospice nurse. Rey was texting me and helping me to provide comfort to my dying mother. His emotional support for me was so comforting and reassuring. I was so appreciative to have Rey there as my moral support as I was caring for my dying mother and being the support person for my entire family. The compassion and support that Rey gave me during this time was such a blessing to me. I cannot thank him enough. I understand how his patients feel when he is their caregiver. He is an asset to have as a member of the ICU team.