Mark provided care for my family member early last month and although I am a nurse on the same unit, this time I was on the opposite side with my family. I knew Mark was a good nurse but I discovered he is an excellent nurse. As the day progressed it was clear my family member was not going to survive so comfort care was initiated. My family was not familiar with this process so he explained everything with detail and compassion. He gave our loved one a warm bath and repositioned her. He started certain medications and stopped others in a gradual way giving my family time to adjust and prepare. Mark made a very difficult situation as peaceful as possible and was very comforting to all of us, especially his patient.
I learned a lot that day, after watching Mark; I will now be caring for my comfort care patients very differently. Mark met my family's apprehension with compassion and understanding; he tailored his care for the patient and the family and allowed a son to say a proper goodbye to a parent. I thank Mark for his amazing and compassionate care. He was the perfect nurse for us.