Heather has been working in the ICUs at Elyria Medical Center since 2022. She aims to create a positive and caring environment for her patients and their families. Heather was sincerely empathetic. She was understanding, not only caring for my wife, but also going above and beyond to allow me to stay at the bedside with her.

My wife, for some reason, was fighting her sedation and was completely aware of everything going on to the extent of being able to use sign language, write things out, or use my phone to text what she needed. That all being said, Heather was constantly in and out caring for my wife, helping with her anxiety, easing her pain, and making sure she was extra gentle when turning or suctioning her.

She was not just doing what she had to do to maintain my wife, but also helped look for clues to what could be causing her allergic reaction, which most people would have missed. She repeatedly checked on me (I am disabled) to make sure I was ok. She even got me a more comfortable chair. My wife's mother insisted on staying in the waiting room, and Heather also got her a pillow and blanket. She made efforts to joke with me to help ease my anxiety and fears.

She was very patient, kind, and made me feel comfortable going to her with any questions. As a 4th-generation medic and firefighter for Lifeflight and surrounding fire departments, this is still one of the scariest things I have had to endure. Having had multiple strokes myself, which makes it sometimes not easy to remember things or makes it slow for me to respond, her patience was appreciated. She remained both patient and caring and never showed any sign of stress. Not once did she huff or puff, say, "I am too busy," or "hold on." Every time, she just waited and made sure that not only were my questions answered, but also went the extra mile to reassure me.

She is an exceptional employee and the perfect role model of what I would want my staff to be. Thank you, and God bless.