Though I was not a patient I do feel that it is my duty to nominate Chris. He works under stress and pressure just because of his area of expertise, but on this occasion, I saw him act like more than just a nurse. He acted as a voice of reason for a family in turmoil when it came to that last decision we all dread to hear or make. How do we place our wants and wishes off on a family member whose body has just lost the physical battle of being normal and now can only drift away slowly while family and staff watch? Chris never left his patient's side. He spoke to the family and gave them their options which all meant they would not be taking their loved one home.
When the patient's son could not understand why the machines would not make her better Chris asked him to hold the patient's hand to see how cold they were. Chris had the son look at her toes they were no longer getting blood flow at that moment. Chris consoled this grown man who was making his loved one a "DNR" and all he could say was I love her but she is just not there. Chris reassured this man that this was not about you and me it's about her, what she would say standing here telling you to do. Chris' compassion went beyond his scope of practice, it made me jealous that I didn't have Chris as a nurse for my loved ones when we had to make a similar decision. He doesn't need this award but truly deserves it.
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Chris is a fantastic nurse. He gives above and beyond for his patients. He shares a smile with everyone he meets. He is helpful to his fellow nurses and also to the ancillary healthcare team. I have personally seen Chris get emotional when his patients are not doing well. He has educated numerous new nurses. If he is asked a question he doesn't just point in the general direction. He gets up from what he was doing to personally show a person where things are in the ICU. He is the perfect combination of an educated and compassionate nurse. Chris is an extraordinary nurse.