Louis Buckmeier
September 2025
Louis
Buckmeier
,
BSN
Emergency Services
Reid Health
Connersville
,
IN
United States

 

 

 

She described it as “active conversation,” in that he didn’t just make small talk; he asked her real questions like he genuinely cared.
I brought my daughter to the ER late on a Sunday night with severe stomach pain. From the moment we arrived, our nurse, Louis, immediately put both of us at ease. He was kind, calm, and clear—offering thorough explanations and a bedside manner that combined compassion with just the right amount of humor. Louis walked us through every step of her care, talking directly to my daughter while drawing her blood and working to place her IV. She told me more than once how glad she was that he was her nurse. His personality made her smile, helped her relax, and took her mind off the pain. What stood out most to her was how engaged he was. She described it as “active conversation,” in that he didn’t just make small talk; he asked her real questions like he genuinely cared. It made her feel seen, not just treated. Even when the IV placement was difficult, he stayed positive and patient. She noticed that and appreciated that he kept trying without ever seeming frustrated or rushed. He also had a gift for explaining things simply and clearly, never talking down to us or brushing off our questions. As a parent, I couldn’t have asked for more. His presence was calming, his care was thoughtful, and his professionalism never came at the expense of a real human connection. We were lucky to have Louis as our nurse that night. He represents everything this award stands for, and I hope every patient has the chance to be cared for by someone like him.