At first glance, Allan is the type of person who flies under the radar, in the background. But when it comes to patient care, he is extraordinary. I have had the honor of working bedside Allan as Clinical RN and when I function as Charge Nurse and I am always amazed at his consistency and commitment to making the patient's stay in the ICU a pleasant one. Allan has been a nurse for more than thirty years, and it shows. Not only in his gray hairs, but in his clinical competence, knowledge, and skill. I have witnessed his holistic care in the way he cares for his patients. I have learned so much from him, and his experiences at the bedside. He has taught us newer nurses a lot about providing quality care, especially as he sets the example and always allows others to learn and succeed. He is very conscientious, always making sure he is following protocols when taking care of patients.
He is a true patient advocate. The last shift I worked with him, he reported a critical patient lab that the physician initially brushed off. He recalled the physician and escalated it so that the patient would be seen. He saved that patient's life. He is consistently updating his patients on what the plan of care is, making sure that their questions are answered by the doctors. He is always explaining everything that he is going to do. Even when no one is looking or a patient is sedated. He is very meticulous about the simple things. He teaches us through his example.
Not only is he a patient's advocate, but he is also a huge family support. I was with Allan when we attended a funeral together for my classmate who we took care of in the ICU. Even though he lives in Broward, he still drove miles to see and give personal condolences to the patient's family. I remember how happy they were to see him, as he skillfully took care of the patient for many nights, even when the patient was critically ill on CRRT.
Allan cares a whole lot, as I have witnessed him praying for a patient and family and he even visited the patient on his day off after a meeting. He even stays late to make sure that his patients are always clean and comfortable. He is the most recognized in the ICU, which is a testament to his compassion and dedication. He exercises the utmost humility by just being the consistent, committed nurse he is, and I would like to quote what he always says when people compliment him, "just doing my job."
I remember a patient was readmitted and the family member recalled him as one of the best nurses they ever had. He has shown his dedication to the patient experience by maintaining professionality with patients. He is always respectful and kind. He is also committed to making sure each patient receives our #codeHOPE project cards. Many times the unit can be stressful, but Allan keeps a smile on our face as his gentle demeanor always keep us positive. He is a team player, hard worker and seeks to do the best for his coworkers. We do not have a CP, and whenever you need a helping hand to turn or clean your patient, he does not hesitate to jump and help us.
Everyone who works with him knows that he is so compassionate and is one of our night shift dads. Every night he would bring noodles for those having a busy shift, to make sure that we were all fed. He is just an extraordinary person. Being in the hospital is not the best time, and being in the ICU can at times be worse, but whether you're a patient, family or coworker, Allan is the type of nurse who will make your stay just a little more bearable, and maybe even have you leave with a smile on your face.