Blake goes above and beyond for our patients in ways that are not required, but come purely from the kindness of his heart. He has taken it upon himself to act as our unit barber, bringing in clippers and offering haircuts and beard trims to patients on our unit. These gestures may seem small on the surface, but in our environment—where patients are critically ill, and every detail matters—they mean the world.

I know firsthand how impactful this act of kindness can be. When my father was in the ICU for several weeks before transitioning to hospice, he began to grow out his hair and facial hair. My dad had never worn a beard, and though I meant to bring in a razor and scissors, I often forgot while balancing my role as both his daughter and a nurse in my own ICU. One day, I walked in to find my father clean-shaven, with his hair neatly trimmed. He looked like himself again. That was the last image I remember of my dad, and it’s a gift I will carry forever.

Every time I see one of our patients after Blake has taken the time to cut their hair or clean up their beard, I think of my dad and the comfort that moment brought me. Blake’s kindness restores dignity, identity, and a sense of normalcy to our patients during some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. The positive impact of these small acts is immeasurable, and I want him to know just how deeply his compassion resonates—not just with patients, but with families and colleagues as well.
Blake embodies what nursing is truly about: seeing the person beyond the illness and making a difference in ways that may not be documented in a chart but are felt forever in the hearts of those we care for.