Tom Simanski
February 2016
Tom
Simanski
,
RN
Critical Care Services
Sanford Health
Fargo
,
ND
United States
My dad was in the hospital for twelve days when he passed away, but the last 4-5 days we had the privilege of having Tom as a nurse for my dad. It started by Tom just saying his name and wanting to get to know who we were. After that it was the little things; it didn't matter if it was just me or my whole family he took the time to listen and answer any questions we had or if he couldn't he would try to find someone to answer them for us. At night when we decided to go home he would say "don't worry we will take good care of your dad while you are gone" which went a long way to ease our minds.
Toward the end I could see that my dad wasn't getting any better, but Tom never changed how he took care of my dad. He always showed him dignity and compassion every time he came to check on my dad. The one thing that really sticks out for me was the day before my dad died we got together as a family and decided that we wanted to have a family meeting with the doctor; it seemed that Tom could sense what we were about to do the next day, he reassured us my dad will be comfortable until we get back tomorrow. When we showed up the next day, Tom was there working, but we found out it was supposed to be his day off. It seemed like he wanted to finish what he started with my family and that shows a ton of character. He definitely went above and beyond the call of a nurse.
***
Our dad was at Sanford more times than we can count on 2 hands. We've encountered numerous staff members throughout those stays, but it is Thomas who we will always remember. He is a gentle soul and he showed us that he cared for his patients and he got the job done. He portrayed confidence and a sense of peace which he freely shared. He answered our questions and sought a doctor's advice when needed. He is a terrific nurse. Thomas gave himself freely and confidently; he eased our suffering and he gave us the courage and knowledge that we needed as a family to get through our father's passing. Death is not an end, but a new beginning and Thomas made sure we knew what was happening every step of the way. He was a friend, leader, and a true blessing! He made all 36 of us feel at ease and comfortable. He made a sad experience more acceptable.
Toward the end I could see that my dad wasn't getting any better, but Tom never changed how he took care of my dad. He always showed him dignity and compassion every time he came to check on my dad. The one thing that really sticks out for me was the day before my dad died we got together as a family and decided that we wanted to have a family meeting with the doctor; it seemed that Tom could sense what we were about to do the next day, he reassured us my dad will be comfortable until we get back tomorrow. When we showed up the next day, Tom was there working, but we found out it was supposed to be his day off. It seemed like he wanted to finish what he started with my family and that shows a ton of character. He definitely went above and beyond the call of a nurse.
***
Our dad was at Sanford more times than we can count on 2 hands. We've encountered numerous staff members throughout those stays, but it is Thomas who we will always remember. He is a gentle soul and he showed us that he cared for his patients and he got the job done. He portrayed confidence and a sense of peace which he freely shared. He answered our questions and sought a doctor's advice when needed. He is a terrific nurse. Thomas gave himself freely and confidently; he eased our suffering and he gave us the courage and knowledge that we needed as a family to get through our father's passing. Death is not an end, but a new beginning and Thomas made sure we knew what was happening every step of the way. He was a friend, leader, and a true blessing! He made all 36 of us feel at ease and comfortable. He made a sad experience more acceptable.