My mother was rushed to the ER. She was breathing, but unresponsive due to a hematoma in her brain. She was almost over the COVID virus, but still tested positive for COVID 19. Because of this, she was transferred to the 4th floor where the restrictions for visitations were very stringent at the time. Mom was put on a DNR status and lived for 10 days before she passed. During that time of coming to terms with her status and her imminent death, I was heartened and comforted by the nurses on staff on the 4th floor.

Many of them went out of their way to find ways that allowed me to visit my mom during that 10 day period and I will never forget that. One nurse placed the room phone receiver by my mom’s ear so our entire family could talk to her, as not everyone was able to visit her during the COVID restrictions. Another nurse spent much time talking to me, learned how much my mom loved music and wrote on the white board mounted in the room to leave the music channel on for her. (After she did that, the soft music would be playing every time I visited my mom.)

One extra special nurse called me to alert me that the visitation requirements were changing the next day and recommended that I get my dad there that very night so he would not be subjected to the COVID testing protocols that were to come. The “one visitor” per day was in place and she actually snuck me in after my father visited that evening so I could briefly see my mom! Yet another amazing nurse looked for internal memos regarding visitation took a photo of the document and sent it to me from her personal cell phone so I could show it at the visitor desk in the lobby and gain access! Her actions allowed me to “legally” see my mom throughout the remaining time we had with her, without being subjected to the mandated required proof of COVID 19 testing due to her DNR status.

These nurses were very busy with their duties, but each of them took time to offer a personal touch to a family in pain. My encounter with the nursing staff was truly special and I am hopeful that the hospital offers some sort of award for service that is above and beyond what the job requires. They were outstanding and worked so well together to care for my mom, however, I would like to recognize Marya who went above and beyond with some of her actions to take care of not only my mom, but all of us with her kindness and compassion. Please extend my sincere thanks to the nurses and Dr. P who sat with me talking over 30 minutes the night before my mom passed. They lent their personal touch to what was the hardest time of my life. I do so appreciate the people at San Antonio and will never forget the kindness shown to me there.