Jon is sharp and direct with all standard nursing requirements and with distributing medications.  He also helped maintain the safety of the floor when another Vet would not leave me alone.  He was able to calm me and the situation.  He does well with controlling the floor when it’s hectic and filled with confusion.  He does well with distracting people to make the floor a very safe place.  I feel that he has calmed me down with issues and has helped me to make sure I do not become an issue. He is a nurse I trust and admire his attitude and how much he cares about me/his job and other Vets. I feel he has saved me and helped point me in the right direction. Jon has been here often when I was here, and he is the one who has made the biggest change for me in my life.

***

Anything I needed or questions I had was given and answered for me, especially under uncertainty and experience in this type of environment.  Down to earth, good dude.

***

When I first arrived my blood pressure was too high and I had to be sent to West Rox for evaluation.  Jon went out of his way to ask me what kind of donut I wanted waiting from Dunkin Donuts when I returned.  Sure enough he gave me a blueberry donut when I walked back on the unit.  It made me feel special and valued during a stressful, intimidating time in my life.

***

Before I was admitted here, the end of a 5-year relationship with a girlfriend caused me to become homeless.  I ended up living at a hobo camp with no money, no phone, no family, and no real friends.  But you know what? That place had a never-ending supply of any amount of drugs or alcohol, and I consumed my absolute maximum every single day to mend a broken heart and not feel any emotions for three entire months.  One day, I just couldn’t go on living anymore.  I ask to use the bathroom at a hobo house’s home where I knew he had guns.  He gave me his key.  I entered, found the gun and went to pull the trigger.  The gun went off, but someone pulled it behind my head, and I went into depression overload.  I asked a person walking by outside to use the phone, and I ended up here on ward 78F feeling worthless and alone and like life didn’t go on.  Within a day or two, a nurse named Jon made me laugh with a few jokes, becoming my friend, talking to me, checking on me, giving me advice, etc.  I started to have hope.  At first, it was a tiny light at the end of the tunnel.  He wouldn’t let me think negatively.  Every doubt I had was changed to positivity.  Now I am about to be discharged in full light! With goals and skills, I never had.  But most of all I have real friends, I hope.  Jon deserves this award not just for not giving up on me but for dropping anything he was doing just to make myself and my fellow Veterans’ day.  He is the glue that holds this ward together.  He is a hero to me and so many others.  Thank you, Jon.  I couldn’t have done it without you.  Thank you.

***

There was no one situation.  The whole time here I felt that Jon treated me like an equal and not just a patient.  That went a long way in helping me cope with what I was going through.

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Jon diffused two very stressful situations that was causing major tension during my stay.  His de-escalation skills were incredible while still maintaining control of the situations.  During the visit, he was always available and willing to help.  He showed great empathy towards the patients and never put aside anyone’s needs.  The two situations could have gotten out of hand easily, but he remained professional and steadfast.

***

Literally made me feel normal for every interaction I had with him.  He’s an asset, a true professional, and a great guy who brings normalcy to an unnormal environment.

***

I take Metformin but I always took it first thing in the morning and right before bed.  Jon schooled me on taking it before breakfast and dinner.  My doctors and nurses have never told me this.  I think that was a really good education.  I also think that there should be a diabetic group on 78F to educate other diabetics about their care.