Cody Dean
January 2026
Cody
Dean
,
RN
CCE
Southwest General Health Center
Middleburg Heights
,
OH
United States
Cody stepped out of the room for a few minutes and came back with a paper that he handed to D. It was a handwritten "To D", with a strip of her heartbeat, along with a kind sentiment, and signed by the nursing staff.
I went to visit L in the critical care unit. When I arrived, her partner was there. Cody came in to check on her; he was very kind and compassionate to the situation. The family had chosen to remove her from life support earlier that day. As her partner and I were speaking, Cody was listening and answering whatever questions were asked of him. I asked D what the progression of steps was for her. His response was, "I will be here for her wherever they move her to if that were to happen." He sat by her side, telling her how much he loved her and was going to miss her.
Cody sat down across the bed from him and said something to the nature, "D, I am going to speak to you man to man and let you know that you have given her the best gift by just being here. Please know that when you go home, there is absolutely nothing that you could have done any better..." There were other words shared between them as well. Cody stepped out of the room for a few minutes and came back with a paper that he handed to D. It was a handwritten "To D", with a strip of her heartbeat, along with a kind sentiment, and signed by the nursing staff. He told D that if he felt sad or lonely, to remember the love they shared and to see her heartbeat full of life. He continued to show his compassion and thoughtfulness until her last breath. He was very sensitive up until we left her room after she passed.
I was so touched by his kindness and compassion to D and what he was going through. I have gone through loss myself and only wish that there had been a nurse like Cody when I was facing one of my darkest moments. He is an amazing example of a true caregiver showing compassion and empathy to the sick and the living. He took an oath when he passed his NCLEX to be the best possible nurse he could be. Along with tending to the patient, he also takes care of their loved ones.
Thank you for considering Cody for this award, because he is an extraordinary nurse, and even if he doesn't receive it, please let him know how he touched my heart, along with L's family.
Cody sat down across the bed from him and said something to the nature, "D, I am going to speak to you man to man and let you know that you have given her the best gift by just being here. Please know that when you go home, there is absolutely nothing that you could have done any better..." There were other words shared between them as well. Cody stepped out of the room for a few minutes and came back with a paper that he handed to D. It was a handwritten "To D", with a strip of her heartbeat, along with a kind sentiment, and signed by the nursing staff. He told D that if he felt sad or lonely, to remember the love they shared and to see her heartbeat full of life. He continued to show his compassion and thoughtfulness until her last breath. He was very sensitive up until we left her room after she passed.
I was so touched by his kindness and compassion to D and what he was going through. I have gone through loss myself and only wish that there had been a nurse like Cody when I was facing one of my darkest moments. He is an amazing example of a true caregiver showing compassion and empathy to the sick and the living. He took an oath when he passed his NCLEX to be the best possible nurse he could be. Along with tending to the patient, he also takes care of their loved ones.
Thank you for considering Cody for this award, because he is an extraordinary nurse, and even if he doesn't receive it, please let him know how he touched my heart, along with L's family.