July 2026 Honoree
Scott Smith, BSN, RN
Scott was our dad’s MICU day shift nurse on the final two days of his life. On Thursday, we were able to spend the whole day with Dad, and Scott was so kind and supportive for both Dad and our family. Dad was not able to swallow and had significant aphasia, making it difficult to have a conversation. Scott was so patient and treated him like a friend, talking about things they had in common. He allowed Dad time to answer and respond as he was able to, which was difficult at times. Our family was so comforted, knowing such a capable and strong nurse was caring for Dad. He and charge nurse J spent time doing things like oral care and pain management that made what turned out to be Dad’s final day much more comfortable.
On Friday morning, Scott was assigned to care for Dad again. This time, though, Dad’s condition had worsened significantly; he had undergone a code a couple of hours before Scott’s shift and was intubated and on life support. An incredibly difficult decision was made by our family to transition to comfort care, as we knew it was Dad’s choice to not be on life support if it wouldn’t change the outcome. Scott and the team gave our family time to discuss things with Palliative Care and ask questions so we could make an informed decision. This also allowed our family time to gather. Scott explained the process to the family and gave us all space to choose to be present at extubation or not. He then allowed us all to be at the bedside as Dad’s tired heart made its last beat. We were able to witness this amazing and beloved man leave his earthly body, which was precious. We will never forget Scott’s kindness and patience for Dad and for all of us as we grieved and said goodbye.
The following day, I reached out to Scott after we visited with the funeral home; they couldn’t find his glasses. Scott did have them sent with Dad to the funeral home and made sure they were secured very well to Dad so they weren’t lost. He also found a water bottle we had left behind, and he would hold it for me until I could come pick it up. We were still in the neighborhood, so we stopped by. We were able to visit for a minute and thank him again for his kindness. Scott mentioned on Thursday that he recognized Dad’s face from long ago, as Dad had been a pharmacist in the community for over 40 years. He just wasn’t quite sure of the details. He had gone home on Friday night following his shift and spent time thinking about his day, as most nurses do (I’m also a nurse and know the feeling well). That’s when it dawned on him that he was remembering my dad as the pharmacist at the VA hospital in the early 80s, who would be at the outpatient pharmacy window when teenage Scott and his veteran father would go pick up his prescriptions. He remembered Dad being the tall man who had to lean over to see out of the window. He remembered his friendly smile and gentle manner, and that his dad and mine would have conversations about family and faith while waiting for his meds to be ready.
Dad made an impression on Scott as a young man, and then Scott was able to reciprocate the fine impression on our family on Dad’s last days. We are forever grateful.
On Friday morning, Scott was assigned to care for Dad again. This time, though, Dad’s condition had worsened significantly; he had undergone a code a couple of hours before Scott’s shift and was intubated and on life support. An incredibly difficult decision was made by our family to transition to comfort care, as we knew it was Dad’s choice to not be on life support if it wouldn’t change the outcome. Scott and the team gave our family time to discuss things with Palliative Care and ask questions so we could make an informed decision. This also allowed our family time to gather. Scott explained the process to the family and gave us all space to choose to be present at extubation or not. He then allowed us all to be at the bedside as Dad’s tired heart made its last beat. We were able to witness this amazing and beloved man leave his earthly body, which was precious. We will never forget Scott’s kindness and patience for Dad and for all of us as we grieved and said goodbye.
The following day, I reached out to Scott after we visited with the funeral home; they couldn’t find his glasses. Scott did have them sent with Dad to the funeral home and made sure they were secured very well to Dad so they weren’t lost. He also found a water bottle we had left behind, and he would hold it for me until I could come pick it up. We were still in the neighborhood, so we stopped by. We were able to visit for a minute and thank him again for his kindness. Scott mentioned on Thursday that he recognized Dad’s face from long ago, as Dad had been a pharmacist in the community for over 40 years. He just wasn’t quite sure of the details. He had gone home on Friday night following his shift and spent time thinking about his day, as most nurses do (I’m also a nurse and know the feeling well). That’s when it dawned on him that he was remembering my dad as the pharmacist at the VA hospital in the early 80s, who would be at the outpatient pharmacy window when teenage Scott and his veteran father would go pick up his prescriptions. He remembered Dad being the tall man who had to lean over to see out of the window. He remembered his friendly smile and gentle manner, and that his dad and mine would have conversations about family and faith while waiting for his meds to be ready.
Dad made an impression on Scott as a young man, and then Scott was able to reciprocate the fine impression on our family on Dad’s last days. We are forever grateful.
Thank you, Scott, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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