Andrew cared for a patient who was in the CCU unit since Christmas. She was a patient in her 40's who was diagnosed with COVID and placed on a ventilator. Her mother was the designated visitor for her quarantine period. I spoke with the mother, and she shared with me that she had recently lost her other daughter and she was fearful of losing this daughter. All she could think about as she sat by her daughter's bedside was what if she lost this daughter too. As an older adult with children, you do not expect them to go before you, and then she met Andrew. She told me that he came in with a presence that made her feel at ease. She commented on how he would sit at the bedside with her and talk about things that would take her mind off the situation. They would talk about the recent snow, going skiing, and taking trips to pass the time. She said Andrew's care and compassion come naturally. She could tell he loves and enjoys being a nurse. The way he would explain things to the family made them feel less anxious. The way he talked to the patient made them feel as though they were part of his family. She said if there was a hero in her eyes it would be Andrew and she could not say enough wonderful things about him.

Andrew has a way of connecting with his patients. This past week we had a patient who had Covid and did not want to be placed on a ventilator. Even though the family was anxious, they were impressed with how Andrew and the patient discussed the situation and the mutual level of trust between them shined through. Andrew encouraged the patient to fight but in the end, he passed away. With tears in his eyes but a hand to share with a wife, he comforted her at the bedside as she watched her husband take his last breath.

Andrew faces all situations in a professional and caring matter. It is an honor to work alongside him and see the genuine love he has for our patients and their families. He shows a tremendous amount of passion and compassion for our patients. He is truly a DAISY Nurse.