We are from Wisconsin, visiting Branson when my mother suffered a heart attack. She required a heart catheter with two stents; she also had pneumonia, which complicated her health and recovery.
Ricky Gere was her nurse on the weekend when my mom was very ill. Ricky was so attentive to my mother's needs and was in her room almost constantly, watching and caring for her. His excellent and commendable nursing skills along with his compassion and loving care to my mom and to myself made us feel at ease that all will be well. Ricky is in nursing for the right reason and is a true asset to the Cox hospital PCU staff.
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I would like to nominate Ricky for the excellent care he provided to my Father-in-law, G, who had been a patient off and on for the last 6 weeks with pneumonia. During both his admissions, he was fortunate to have Ricky caring for him.
After the 9th day of G's second admission, he needed to be transferred to another facility. For the first time, I saw G breakdown, overcome with emotion with his situation. When I asked, what he was worried about he said his wife, whom he married at 19-years-old, and his two little dogs.
We asked Ricky if the patient could be brought to the outside door, so the patient could visit his dogs before he was transferred. G required 15 liters of O2. We knew that the time would be limited due to such an oxygen demand, but wanted to give it a try, but with Ricky's blessing.
When we approached Ricky at the nurse's station about the idea, without hesitation he said, "Yes, we can make that happen." Ricky collected the needed supplies as the family secretly went to get the dogs, so it would be a surprise for G.
Ricky took the time out of his day to go above and beyond to help his patient with what was important to him. He found a full O2 tank and a spare; Ricky personally brought G down to his dogs. The joy in G's eyes was evident and his entire demeanor shifted that afternoon. Ricky really made his day; we are so grateful and proud of Ricky!