June 2025 Honoree
Hunter Thomas, RN, BSN, CCRN, CFRN
Nurse Hunter has been outstanding in every aspect of his care. He has taken the time to answer every question my family and I have had about my mother's recovery and care, and has done it without ever making us feel like we are a burden. He explains things clearly and with patience. He pays close attention to everything and to how my mom is feeling, which has been incredibly reassuring. You can tell he truly cares about his work and the people he's caring for. His kindness has especially helped reduce my anxiety during a very difficult time, and it's clear he treats his patients like real people, not just tasks on a chart.
The first night after my mom's heart surgery, I was filled with anxiety. Earlier that day, she had lost a significant amount of blood, and I went from being told that she may have to return to the OR to very quickly being told that she was returning to the OR. As I was brought into her room to quickly see her before they took her, she suddenly stabilized. I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, even with her doctor's reassurance about something like that not happening again.
When Nurse Hunter came on for his night shift, I quickly felt more at ease. Watching how he cared for my mom, paid attention to every detail, and really looked at the monitors and equipment, it was clear she was in good hands. I asked him what some of the tubes and equipment connected to her were for, and he took the time to explain them without making me feel like I was asking too much. The first time my mom experienced discomfort during Nurse Hunter's shift, I watched him communicate with her to see where the pain was coming from, and I heard him explain what the pain was and why she was feeling it. He didn't wave her off by saying it was normal, nor did he just quickly give her more medicine. He truly took care of her. He responded quickly, listened, and made sure she was comfortable. His care, communication, and compassion in that moment built a trust that meant a lot to me. He helped turn one of the scariest events of our lives into a night that we could get through. I am deeply grateful.
The first night after my mom's heart surgery, I was filled with anxiety. Earlier that day, she had lost a significant amount of blood, and I went from being told that she may have to return to the OR to very quickly being told that she was returning to the OR. As I was brought into her room to quickly see her before they took her, she suddenly stabilized. I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, even with her doctor's reassurance about something like that not happening again.
When Nurse Hunter came on for his night shift, I quickly felt more at ease. Watching how he cared for my mom, paid attention to every detail, and really looked at the monitors and equipment, it was clear she was in good hands. I asked him what some of the tubes and equipment connected to her were for, and he took the time to explain them without making me feel like I was asking too much. The first time my mom experienced discomfort during Nurse Hunter's shift, I watched him communicate with her to see where the pain was coming from, and I heard him explain what the pain was and why she was feeling it. He didn't wave her off by saying it was normal, nor did he just quickly give her more medicine. He truly took care of her. He responded quickly, listened, and made sure she was comfortable. His care, communication, and compassion in that moment built a trust that meant a lot to me. He helped turn one of the scariest events of our lives into a night that we could get through. I am deeply grateful.
Thank you, Hunter, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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