Justin Butsavage
December 2025
Justin
Butsavage
,
BSN, RN
TNICU
Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest
Allentown
,
PA
United States
He treated her with such care, respect, and kindness in her dying hour that I cannot thank him enough.
My grandmother was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest and quickly declined over the course of two days. She made the decision to transition to palliative care during her time in the Cardiac ICU. Justin took over her care for her literal dying hour. My grandmother and the rest of our family were anxious about the transition from life to death; I was personally anxious about switching to another nurse so close to the end. Justin walked in, and I immediately felt eased with those concerns. His energy was so soothing and calming. He did everything he could to make her comfortable and keep us informed as she slowly passed. His bedside manner was excellent, and he handled the added stress of my anxious family well. Following her passing, he went above and beyond to allow us cultural considerations for her postmortem care. She was of the Jewish faith, and traditionally, the body of the deceased is not to be left alone. Justin contacted the nursing supervisor and security to allow us to stay with her until the very end, even letting us walk her to the morgue and say goodbye one final time. Justin even allowed me to assist in the decedent care at her bedside, removing her IVs and foley, undressing her, and cleaning her one last time. He was so patient and respectful the entire time, moving at my speed and allowing me time to grieve with her. This meant more to me than I can put into words. She was such a special person to us, and Justin ensured our every wish was granted for her care. He treated her with such care, respect, and kindness in her dying hour that I cannot thank him enough. I am also an RN, and I know how precious time can be during your shift, so I know what these extra moments meant. He had also literally just gotten report when she decided she was ready, but he took it all in stride and was a phenomenal nurse and person the entire time. He is truly the embodiment of the DAISY Award.