I wanted to bring a particular nurse to your attention who gives incredible care to his patients. I've had multiple great experiences with John Palmer and have witnessed his care for patients. Today we had one of our LVAD patients go home on hospice. This is always a difficult decision to make as we grow very close to our VAD patients as we get to know them and their families over time. This particular LVAD patient is an elderly gentleman who has been in and out of the hospital multiple times since the implant and John has cared for him on many occasions. Hospice arrangements were made and the patient was due to be picked up around 1600. I went up to the unit to say my goodbyes about 1545 and as I approached the room, I saw John sitting on the bed next to the patient and they were quietly talking to one another. I stood at the door without them realizing I was there. John offered comfort and compassion to the patient by sitting next to him and gently speaking and actively listening to him. John had helped him get dressed so he would be ready to depart and told the patient that his (John's) friends were coming to pick him up and would see him safely home. (I didn't know, but John used to work with Richmond Ambulance and they are his friends!). We stepped out of the room briefly before transport's arrival and John asked a valuable question regarding the further treatment of the patient. I shared that there wasn't anything else that could be done other than comfort care. John's eyes welled up with tears as did mine. The ambulance service arrived and John helped them get the patient transferred onto the stretcher and belted in for a safe ride. He could have left it to the ambulance personnel but he was right next to the patient to make sure he was taken care of. After the patient left, John and I were able to talk a little more, and then he was up and caring for another patient. I heard him go into the patient's room to ensure that he was comfortable, offering him another pillow and asking if the patient would like something to drink. What wonderful customer service!
I've been witness to multiple acts of kindness like the ones mentioned above about John. I value knowledge and "book-learning" but as we know, one can't teach kindness, compassion, and empathy. John has all of these traits. He is smart, compassionate, and kind. He is always helpful and never rushed with patients. He is always helpful to coworkers and providers and does whatever he can to help them. I never worry about my patients when I know John is caring for them and I know John is ultimately going to do great things with his career as a nurse. I'm proud that I've gotten a chance to know and work with him and hope that you can recognize him in some way.