Jake Phelps, BSN, RN

I would like to commend Jake Phelps, my mother’s ICU nurse at Mayo. My mother was 91 years old when she was admitted to Mayo from the emergency department on Wednesday afternoon, after suffering cardiac arrest in our home. EMTs revived her, and she was placed on life support in the ICU on the 7th floor of the Mayo building.

Jake became my mother’s nurse on Thursday, during one of the most difficult and heartbreaking moments our family has ever faced. From the moment he began caring for her, Jake was exceptionally attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate. He watched every detail closely, adjusted what needed to be adjusted, and did everything he could to keep my mother comfortable. His care was constant in the best possible way- thorough, thoughtful, and deeply committed.

Jake treated my mother with dignity, respect, and genuine concern. He saw her as a person, not just a patient or an age, and that meant more to us than words can fully express. Jake was also an incredible support to our family. He kept us informed, explained what was happening, and helped us understand the care she was receiving. He brought a calm strength into the room at a time when everything felt overwhelming. His intelligence, skill, passion, and dedication were obvious in every interaction.

On Thursday evening, our family made the difficult decision to remove the ventilator and place my mother’s life in God’s hands rather than continue to have her supported by a machine. I believe Jake understood the weight of that decision, and I could sense how hard it was for him to leave her that evening. His compassion was clear, not only in what he did, but in the way he cared.

When Jake returned on Friday, our family felt an immediate sense of relief. We knew that day would likely be the day we lost my mother, and we were so grateful that Jake would be the nurse caring for her. In that sacred and painful time, his presence gave us comfort. He remained calm, steady, and deeply caring until the end. Our family has seen many nurses over the past 15 months, but Jake stood out in a way we will never forget. He was a calm force in the middle of heartbreak. He knew what he was doing, cared deeply, and gave my mother the dignity and comfort she deserved. We were shocked to learn that he had only been a nurse for seven months, because he cared for my mother with the confidence, compassion, and wisdom of someone far beyond that experience. He made an unbearable experience more peaceful, and we will always be grateful for the extraordinary care he gave to my mother and to our family.