Late on my first night after prostrate surgery by Dr. L and a stay in a hospital for the very first time in 68 years, I was having a very dark, frightening, and deeply despairing experience of emotions and panic. I had told my amazing, exhausted wife N to go home to get some rest because I knew she would be my caregiver when I left the hospital. At about the peak of my panic at maybe 1 am, Rick had come into my room to do vitals, and I spoke very briefly and hesitantly, but not really with much detail, about my dire feelings. I sensed he suspected something, but I have always been a very private person in ways, and I simply did not know how to really express the details of my concerns at the time.

He listened very intently, said some comforting words, then left very briefly before coming back. I learned he had gone to read more details of my files. When he returned to my room, he immediately sat down on my bed and we hugged closely for several minutes as I poured out my emotions. At the time and now looking back, I have no doubt he really understood my fears and concerns. The understanding, sensitivity, and compassion he showed me at that especially low point in my life were wonderful and an expression of love and caring I'll never forget. I told him as he finally left after many hugs and my talking with him that he was the angel sent to me in my time of greatest need. I sincerely believe Rick truly represents an extraordinary example of a nurse in patient care.

He later, as I recall, gave me some Benadryl and suggested I could walk a little, which I did, and I actually ended up sleeping about 3 hours thanks to him. Later when N arrived, I told her about my amazing experience with Rick and how his skill and caring as a nurse brought me such peace and comfort in my time of great need.