My mom was hospitalized rather suddenly for sepsis. She received amazing care at Southview and all of her nurses showed a great level of compassion and professionalism. James was one of those caring professionals, but he made an extra connection with our whole family. He spoke to my dad, sister and me about our families and his. This casual banter and willingness to get to know us makes this really scary situation with my mom feel a bit lighter.
Two months later my mom was unfortunately rushed to the hospital again with septic shock. We waited for hours in the ER just totally uncertain what my sweet mom was going through. Once she was moved to ICU our family was eager to be with her, but we were quietly nervous about what we were about to see. She was in much more serious condition this time and I've never seen my mom in an unresponsive state. So, I was struggling, emotionally.
Before I could even see my mom beneath all of the medical equipment, I saw James. He smiled and remarked how he recognized my mom's name and was sad to see her back there, but he was incredibly reassuring. His attitude was the total opposite of what I was feeling. I was nervous, expecting the worst, and there he was hooking up drips and connecting lines like it was just a normal day in the office. He expressed what the "good news" was concerning her condition and continued to talk to us like old acquaintances. Seeing him with his same cool demeanor was incredibly heartwarming.
I was further comforted to see that he made arrangements to be my mom's nurse the next day. We saw James one more time in the ICU and a few weeks later just before she was transferred. Again, her condition was worse and after the emotional roller coaster our family had been on, it eased our nerves to see mom in James's care. He not only helped my mom, but he was a great comfort to our family.

Note: This is James's 2nd DAISY Award!