November 2016
Christopher
Reynolds
,
RN
CCU
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
Pontiac
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

My mother was brought to St. Joseph Hospital. I had never been to St. Joseph,so I was very hesitant to how the doctors and nurses were going to be. However, my hesitation quickly turned torelief when my family and I met Chris Reynolds.
Chris quickly sensed how we were feeling and started to put our worry toease. He explained everything to us and made sure we understood everythingthat was going on with my mother's condition. He also gently answered everyquestion that we had. Although my mother's condition was very serious, wewere at peace knowing that she was getting the best possible care havingChris as her nurse.
The following day, my brothers and I had to make a very hard decisionabout my mother remaining on the ventilator. Chris not only understood ouranguish but supported our decision as well. We told him what our mother'swishes were and he made us feel so much better, supporting our decision.
After the ventilator was removed, my mother continued to hold on. That night,my brothers and I left the hospital thinking that my mother was going to lastthe night. Unfortunately, Chriscalled me at 11PM to come back. Knowingthat my brothers and I were coming a long way, Chris told us that he wouldsit with my mom so that just in case we didn't get there in time, she wouldn't passaway alone.
Every time I think of what Chris did for my mother from the beginning of ourtime at St. Joseph Hospital to the end, I get tears in my eyes. I am so thankfulto God that Chris was my mother's nurse, for he is truly a model for all othernurses to follow.