My dad was admitted via ER Trauma to ICU and stayed there for 2 weeks. Once he was off of the ventilator and stable enough to move to med/surg he was transferred to 7T. On 7T, my dad was assigned to a nurse named Celise. I can never thank Celise enough for fighting and advocating for my father alongside me. Situations are sometimes unconventional, but where there is a will there is a way and I believe that Celise will find a way.

After being in ICU for 2 weeks and despite his daily baths, his long hair was a struggle. We couldn’t get him in the shower because he was not physically able but Celise did not hesitate to find a way to assist me in washing his hair. I expected her to tell me I could wash it alone, but I certainly did not expect her to dive in and help. My father is a strong man and was really struggling with not being able to care for himself and wanted to go home. He has a 1-year-old old son for whom he is the primary caretaker.

Although he had proven himself medically, he felt that he was not being given the opportunity to show his strength and was being “written off” to LTAC outside of our system. I spoke with Dr. A and Celise and relayed our concerns. Immediately after I left, Celise approached my dad and said, “Let’s show them what you can do!” She helped him to his feet and walked him as far as he could go. Because of her his whole demeanor changed, he found his confidence and began to fight harder. He surpassed all expectations and is on the road to recovery much sooner than even I thought he would be. Celise is an amazing individual who chose to make a difference. It is nurses like Celise who make the world a better place.