We got devastating news on Christmas Day that my dad, the healthiest man I know, had a heart attack. The drive to the hospital was so terrifying and our hearts dropped when we were finally able to see him. It didn't make sense; my dad just didn't fit into the environment that he was suddenly in. He was quickly rushed into his surgery. Dread settled in when he had to sit through the long hours of his surgery. The feeling escalated when we were finally able to see him. There was so many things we had to do at home and a vast amount of paperwork that we had to fill out that it was hard for us.
Me and my sister to stay with him at all times to make sure he had a face he knew when he woke up. The morning after his surgery we met Richard. His whole shift he stayed in the room with my dad. He was so busy and engulfed in looking and double-checking everything with my dad he kept getting urged to go on lunch and he kept finding things to make sure my dad was okay. Quickly my sister and I realized that Richard was a friendly face. We were comfortable in leaving for a small amount of the time or even sleeping after long sleepless nights knowing that Richard would make sure my dad was comfortable. Not because it's his job but because we truly feel that he cares about my dad. From little things like making sure that he's always comfortable and getting him an extra Jell-O cup because he noticed that my dad especially enjoyed it during lunch. By making sure my dad was okay he was putting us at ease and he's an outstanding nurse. An amazing person who sees the patients as more of an important individual.
***
My brother had a very serious seizure which resulted in his passing quickly. I am his next of kin but live in Idaho. Nurse Huk was constant and my lifeline to the whole situation. I had to make some difficult decisions and he helped me tremendously. He was patient, informative and above all caring. He never got frustrated as we went over each detail, sometimes more than once. I am sure this job is hectic and with much responsibility attached to it. He never made me feel rushed or incompetent with my questions. He even took the time to put the phone up to my brother's ear so I could say good-bye. I cannot say enough of the care my brother and I received from nurse Huk. He is an asset to your staff but even more important to the families. He made a difficult time much easier for all of us.
***
Richard was so patient and kind. He would go out of his way to explain and help us better understand what the doctor told us. He was very neat and efficient. He would constantly check on us to make sure that we were okay. He hugged my mom because he saw how upset she was.