Our family came to the hospital because my dad, who has stage 3 NSCLC, was experiencing weakness and had stopped eating. His condition is complicated by dementia and hearing loss, which can make communication very difficult. The night before we met Alex Bailey, he had a very challenging evening with another nurse, trying to manage his confusion, and nearly had him restrained. After the situation and addressing a few concerns, things took a turn.

Alex came in, recognized the changes immediately, and approached my dad kindly, speaking to him in a gentle manner.

She worked with him in a way no one else had been able to. Eventually, with her assistance, he was calm. She went along with his humor and shared stories with him; she earned his trust quickly. In her approach, my father began cooperating: taking his medication, allowing tests, and listening to her guidance, even while insisting he wanted to go home.

Just as importantly, Alex comforted my very frightened mom and me during an incredibly stressful time. We’ve never seen him this bad. In a short period, my dad repeatedly said, “I really like Alex,” and trusted her completely.

Alex didn’t just do her job — she transformed a frightening situation into one where my father felt understood, respected, and cared for. Our family will never forget the compassion and skill she showed us.