I am a pediatrician working in San Francisco. When I heard that my brother A had an unexpected cardiac arrest and had a neurological insult, I rushed to Texas and visited him at North Central Baptist Hospital in the ICU. I found him sedated and ventilated. It was utterly frightening.
I met Austin as soon as I arrived. He was warm, as he updated me on my brother's condition. He was calm and kind and I immediately felt at ease knowing that A was getting the most excellent and compassionate care from Austin.
I stayed by A's side for the next few days and Austin was there. I was always glad to see him - it provided comfort that such a kind and hard-working nurse would be caring for my brother.
Throughout those days, Austin would speak with A with such gentleness explaining everything he did and what was happening, even when we weren't sure if A would hear. Austin is smart, funny, and compassionate. I am grateful to have met such an awesome nurse who was able to provide comfort at such a hard time in our family's lives.
I have worked with a lot of nurses both as a patient or patient's family and as a provider. Nurses like Austin are few and far between. He is an exceptional caregiver and I will never forget his kindness, gentleness, and compassion.
Austin is a true DAISY Nurse for being such an awesome nurse and human!