A patient arrived into the ICU with a brain aneurysm on Wednesday and by Thursday it was determined that she no longer had any brain activity. Brandon was her nurse off and on over the few days that she was in the ICU. The compassion that he displayed to her loved ones during a very difficult time was outstanding. I watched as he took very good care of the patient and her family. He was always gentle with her, was willing to answer all questions, and just was present. He made spending the last days with her as comfortable for all as it could be.

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Brandon was very present with the situation. He was very aware when space was needed so that grieving in privacy could happen but yet very attentive to all our needs and questions. Even when he was not in the room we never felt alone. He kept the family informed on all the pertinent information and tests that were being performed throughout the short stay. Given a very difficult situation, Brandon did his very best to make everyone feel comfortable. He took interest in the patient outside of that hospital bed and spent time getting to know her by just listening to us tell stories. He made us feel comfortable when asking to do things like hold her hand or see her beautifully painted toenails. It was displayed in his actions that even though the end result was not going to be the outcome anyone of us wanted he still treated her with the respect that all should be treated with. I am very grateful that the patient and all of us were blessed with an amazing nurse who goes to work every day and does a very difficult job with class. This patient got to end her stay in the ICU as a hero, but we got to witness a hero as Brandon stepped up and I believe did his very best each day during a very difficult situation. That is one of the many difficult situations the nurses on the float face on a regular basis. It takes a special person to do what he does every day! Thank you, Brandon!