We were the lucky ones that were able to experience “Nurse Andrew!” I say “we” because although my husband, J, was Andrew’s triple bypass patient, I was also treated to Andrew’s nursing talents! I’d had a total knee replacement the week before my husband’s untimely surgery! Andrew’s care and compassion for both of us were above and beyond the call of duty. Andrew recognized J’s fear of the lifesaving machines surrounding him in ICU and the pain associated with bypass surgery and quickly put J at ease all the while ensuring I was comfortable (blankets, ice, and a stool to prop my leg up) as I spent days with him at the hospital. Andrew did everything in his power to make J as comfortable as possible and administered medication with wit and humor. Every change of IV or oral meds was met with the humorous response that they were just what J had ordered for lunch… most always a southern favorite “rice and brown gravy!” Andrew’s wonderful personality makes everyone feel as if they are family. He truly exemplifies what a caring compassionate nurse should be. J actually pleaded with Andrew to follow him to the heart floor once he was released from ICU, knowing his care wouldn’t be as excellent as Andrew’s care for him had been! Andrew assured J he would get great care and would check in with him. Andrew cared enough to check on us days after J’s release from the hospital! We pray he will come home to Louisiana, continuing to be the exceptional caregiver that he is! 

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My mother was involved in a horrific automobile accident and was brought to Lafayette General Hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana. She suffered multiple injuries. This event was particularly hard as she was 82 years old. She was placed in the trauma unit, and Andrew was assigned as her nurse. Andrew walked into her room with a huge smile and was always professional. He patiently answered our questions. The one event that sealed his dedication to my mother’s recovery occurred during her physical therapy. My mom’s pain was intense and she wanted to stop. Andrew, however, knew she had to continue. He looked at her and told her she could do it in spite of her begging to stop. He looked at her and said, “If I didn’t think you could do it, I wouldn’t have you do it!” Andrew Leblanc was our blessing from God as she recovered from injuries. I nominate Andrew with a grateful and loving heart. I sincerely recommend him for this award.