Ernestine was my father's nurse for two days.  My father was a hospice patient at Bedford Hospital.  We had spent 5 days at Guggenheimer Rehab Hospital and arrived at Bedford.  From the moment we arrived at Bedford, my father's care was exceptional.   

Notably, Ernestine demonstrated great professionalism, care, and love toward my father, my family, and me.  Our family knew that these were our last days and moments with my father.  Despite having a full hospital of patients, Ernestine treated my father as if he were her only patient.  She carefully checked on him each hour.  She made him comfortable and called for extra care when needed.  She carefully started my dad's IV and asked for help because he was very dehydrated, and she had a hard time finding his veins.  She knew to call for backup help in order that he had comfort when getting the IV.  The mark of a true professional is knowing when to get help.   

Ernestine stayed with me while I held my father's hand.  She talked to me and gave me pep talks.  She advised me how to push the medication button and assured me if I left overnight that she would care for him like her own father.  She called my family early the next morning and let us know that if he were her dad, she would get to the hospital.  Thank goodness for her!  We arrived at the hospital.