I have worked with Todd for many years. As a manager, I always felt very fortunate to have such a collaborative working relationship with him. We have worked on numerous projects and initiatives throughout the years. Todd has excellent relationships with our nursing staff. He is a skilled practitioner as well as an educator. He makes the learning fun and there has never been a project or assignment I have asked him to do that he has turned down. I have witnessed him with many patients and families over the years, his consistent, easy-going nature and approachability help to decrease the stress and anxiety of learning a new skill. I have witnessed him pull nurses through orientation when they were struggling.
What I saw this week left me with a deeper appreciation for this special employee. I was doing a morning round on one of the units. I saw Todd sitting with a nurse who was clearly emotional and suffering. I saw him pull her into a safe space and take the time to gently calm her to be able to safely leave the building. He then took the time to ensure the nurse had the time off she needed for self-care. The empathy and kindness I witnessed will never be forgotten. We often create our own stereotypes about what qualities a male nurse has or lacks. Todd is proof that our exterior has little to do with what is in our hearts.