February 2024
Dpinderjot
Bains
,
BSN, RN
Intensive Care Unit
Adventist Health and Rideout
Marysville
,
CA
United States
He was encouraging to her. He was optimistic in a subtle way that helped my mom feel better about her future. He listened!
It’s not easy to describe exactly what he did, but I can’t stop thinking about how much he did. First off, he was the only nurse who cared for my mom for longer than one shift. He was her nurse for three nights in a row. I’ll do my best to cite the factors that motivate me to see he is recognized. First off, simply, his demeanor is exactly what was needed at the time he entered the situation. I should also note, he’s fairly new to his position. But that wasn’t the drawback it can be in healthcare. He performed his work confidently and supportively as a veteran of his field. He leads with empathy. He leads with compassion. And it’s obvious that it’s both something he’s intentionally incorporating into his care but that it’s also naturally part of his personality. He speaks AND moves calmly. He was never aggressive in his handling of my mom. He treated my mom like she was his own mother. He was patient, supportive, and respectful to my mom. To me, as well. He was encouraging to her. He was optimistic in a subtle way that helped my mom feel better about her future. He listened! Not just patronizing and trying to listen while multitasking on other duties. But really listened, which, as a family member, was a blessing. He made me feel like my mom had someone there for her overnight, even though I couldn’t be due to visiting hour limitations. He was the first person in any capacity to make me feel like I wasn’t alone in my concern for my mom, that I wasn’t the only one who could relay the information doctors and nurses needed but were missing. He agreed to the favors I asked of him. He blessed me with the confidence of care that I needed to go home and rest and not just sleep another night outside in my car to be in her room as soon as visitors were allowed. He communicated. He agreed to call me if certain conditions arose and/or if any changes were needed. And he did. This was the most important thing I needed. He ensured that I, a concerned, occasionally skeptical, and involved advocate for my mother’s health and care, felt heard, respected, and supported. He could have personally labeled me as difficult or challenging. Instead of treating me like I was a nuisance or in the way, he made room for me, literally and figuratively. He included me in the conversation around my mom’s care. And he was extremely hospitable to me on top of that. He not only provided the care and support, but he went further and beyond providing that service. His words. His expressions. His knowledge. His intention. His purpose. His ability. His tone. His physicality. His interaction with his colleagues. His energy. His attitude. ALL of it was exemplary and at the very least, deserves this recognition. He is a true DAISY Nurse.