My dad was in the ICU after a cardiac event at home that left him completely unresponsive even after the EMTs were able to get a pulse. I arrived from AZ to be with my mom and say goodbye to my dad. My dad had been a pastor in the Springfield area for the past 28 years. When my mom told Stephen Harkness that my dad was a pastor, my mom also asked where Steve went to church. It was an amazing comfort to my mom that my dad was being cared for by someone of faith. Steve was with me when the neurologist came to tell me my dad was not going to come back from this, and he was there when the neurologist also told me my dad's MRI showed brain damage on every level and every area. While the doctor was highly professional and excessively polite despite the despairing news, Steve stayed with me after the doctor left. He not only spent time with me to make sure I was okay (I was alone when this news was shared with me due to my family stepping out for dinner), but he also answered additional questions I had.
Overall, we were pleased with my dad's care at Mercy, and Steve went the extra mile for my family, especially my dad. He took time to care for my dad's physical needs beyond the medical needs in that he washed my dad and kept him clean. He constantly talked to my dad like they had known each other all their lives. It was comforting to my mom and me to see that even when we were not in the room with my dad, Steve was there caring for him even better than we could. Steve was great with small talk but also sensed when we were emotional and needed quiet and space. He answered our questions and explained what was medically going on or what he was doing while he worked. He let us know he was praying for us and for my dad. While some might not care for a nurse praying for a patient, we couldn't be happier or more appreciative to have a man full of faith caring for my dad. I will remember the week my dad passed away for the rest of my life. But I will also remember a nurse named Steve who went far beyond his required duties and made things easier for my dad and our family. I am eternally grateful!