Our family was scared and anxious when it came time to move my mom to another unit. Mom had been from MSICU to the 3rd floor, then 4th floor, back to MSICU, and then transferred over to NSICU. We had built trusted relationships with the team in the MSICU, so we were uneasy about having to start over. 

We had a great nurse that day, but we really settled in when Brooke came in for her night shift. She was so kind, thoughtful, attentive, and compassionate towards all that mom had been through. She was patient as we were all so overwhelmed by what was happening. She slowly walked us through every medication and situation, and she answered every question we threw her way with a smile. My mom couldn’t talk because she was intubated. She and Brooke would write notes on mom’s whiteboard, share laughs and stories, and it was so sweet to see my mom start to feel like herself again. Brooke lifted her spirits by just being herself around our family!

My parents were celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary while Mom was under Brooke’s care. We happened to mention it briefly the first day we were there that it was coming up on Friday, and never mentioned it again. Sure enough, there was a Happy Anniversary card waiting for them that day. Brooke was so thoughtful, and the dynamic just felt comfortable and safe for my mom, who was battling a lot of anxiety and fear.

A few days later, Brooke was leaving for a few days off while my parents were sleeping, so she left a note on my mom’s whiteboard that said, “You can do it! Don’t forget, I’m your cheerleader!” Mom woke up with the biggest smile on her face.
It was so many small moments that added up to a great experience with Brooke. You could tell she genuinely cared for her patients, and she tried to make a scary environment not feel so overwhelming. We are so grateful for Brooke and all that she did!