Our dad had surgery for a hip replacement. Our dad had not been a patient in a hospital In over 30 years after having a total hip fusion that left him 100% disabled at 30 with two young kids at home. My Dad was a nervous wreck coming in for surgery. A team member who stood out tremendously was Paul Hoey from D3, who floated to M3 on Oad's discharge day.

Dad's assigned RN, unfortunately, had an emergency and needed to go home. The Clinical Manager cared for our dad until Paul Hoey from D3 came in at 11 am to float to M3 and was assigned to our dad. My brother had to go to work, and I had to head to Saints Campus to assist with the PCT program. When Paul came in to introduce himself to Dad, they both had a good laugh right off the bat! I knew Dad was in great hands; I could relax and come back after class. We hesitated to leave again, as the night before, Dad's BP was extremely low, and his spot was then placed on 02 as he almost passed out in front of my brother and me. Truth be told, it's very different being family when it's your loved one in the bed instead of being at work and part of the health care team.

On discharge morning, Dad was happy, comfortable, dressed, and already up in a chair, stating he was ready to go home! Physical Therapy still needed to come to assess him, change the wound dressing, set up the machine, and complete the paperwork. Honestly, even though Paul floated to M3 from D3, my Dad could not tell Paul was not on his home base unit. Paul checked on my dad, ensured he was comfortable, and that his pain was under control. He reminded Dad that he was not bothering the staff when he rang the call light and encouraged him to use his walker for safety. Paul also asked him to call if he needed anything and made sure he understood his important exercises and discharge instructions. He also ensured him that I would be back soon and that he would be able to go home later on. Dad said Paul was great and that he felt comfortable talking with him. He let me know that Paul took great care of him while my brother and I had to work, and discharge time would be around 4:30pm, which was perfect timing.

Today, as I was rounding D3, Paul stopped me and asked, "How's your dad doing?" This made me smile ear to ear. It means so much that Paul asked! I did let Paul know that Dad is doing great. He is doing great, and a big part of that is because of the exceptional care Paul provided him. He took the time to listen to our concerns and answered all of our questions. He said our Dad is really funny! I can honestly tell you he is very funny and that he is also one of the kindest and most loving people you will ever meet! Thank you for treating Dad with compassion and empathy, as if he were your own! It's nurses like Paul who help patients have a more pleasant time while they are here with us in the hospital, and it matters so much in so many ways. Your kindness will remain in our hearts and memories for a lifetime! I thank you for everything; you made a huge impact and difference not only for our Dad but for our entire family! The care our patients receive at the hospital has a big impact on their healing. Dad is doing great, doing all his exercises, following all the directions, and listening to his boss—I mean Daughter! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Paul; you’re truly an earth angel!