My father came into the ER and was admitted to the hospital. He initially seemed to be improving, but quickly declined. Once I decided to have Dad admitted to hospice, he was moved to 8 North. His nurse during this time was Robert. He made the most difficult decision I have ever made, almost bearable.

I carried a lot of guilt for that decision, and he eased my guilt tremendously. He explained every step of my father's decline to help me understand what was happening. My father was my best friend, and all I wanted was to see him free of suffering. He had a long, hard life suffering from polio, and he never complained. Thanks to Robert, my dad was treated with the utmost care and dignity. I never questioned the care my dad received. He also checked on me every time he came into the room.

I was by my father's side every day. I did leave at night and always struggled with leaving my dad. He made me feel confident that he would get the same level of care whether I was there or not. I am still struggling with the decisions I made concerning my father's health. I still question if I did the right thing, but I cannot thank Robert enough for his care and compassion.

I have been in healthcare for over 7 years, am also a covenant employee, and I see the burnout that is so real, and I see people losing compassion for the job. Robert has a true calling for this position. His education on the death process and ability to communicate make him an outstanding nurse.

Thank you so much, Robert, for being there for my father and my family.