I first met Andy when I was a new grad working my first job on 9A. To meet and know Andy is to love him. He is friendly, kind, compassionate, intelligent, and hilarious!
Fast forward a few years and we worked together as RNs on 2H and NICU. I was always amazed at Andy's ability to connect with patients and their families. I mean, I think I'm good at that, but I've got nothing on him!
Little did I know that God was busy laying the groundwork for our friendship for a different reason entirely. In August 2017 I found out I was expecting twins! The pregnancy was far from easy. At 26 weeks I had to stop working. At 29 weeks I was admitted for preterm labor. My short stay turned into 42 days!
No one can imagine being in the hospital for 42 days. I surely never thought it would happen. I was away from my 6-year-old son. My husband worked from my room. It was difficult and stressful. Our experience would have been completely different if it wasn't for Andy.
He sat in our room and had extremely heartfelt conversations with us. He made us laugh (Holy Moly did he make us laugh!) and he treated us like family. When my husband had to go to the office he wanted to be sure Andy was working. Andy just had a way of making me feel calm amidst the storm of uncertainty that bombarded us daily about our babies.
He always checked to be sure I was okay before he left the floor. I had 23 IVs during my stay and he started 19 of them. We would plan when I needed a new one around his work schedule. He was always by my side when I needed anything. It is no coincidence that he was with me the last two days of pregnancy. Those were two horrible days, but I never doubted I was in good hands. I've had the unique experience of knowing Andy personally and professionally. As a co-worker and a patient, he is a true DAISY Nurse.