As a retired veteran, I receive my healthcare at the VA, but one day I joined my dear friends for Sunday lunch at St. Joseph's Hospital North. Now in all my years I would never have imagined willingly going to eat the food. Hospital food is typically something to be avoided at all costs and then choked down only when you are forced to stay overnight in the hospital. I was extremely surprised by this hospital. It is gorgeous. The main lobby looks like a hotel and the food in the café was delicious. I will definitely eat here again.
So what exactly would move me to write a review for a hospital that I do not receive healthcare at? The answer is simple... the staff is amazing. They are all so kind and caring. I came to the hospital to visit a friend after surgery and the staff was all extremely caring. I know I was only visiting, but their smiles made a difference to me. After driving home from visiting my friend at the hospital, I decided to stop by Publix to pick up some groceries to keep my wife happy. All I remember is leaning down in the back seat to pick up my hat. The next thing I know everything goes black. When I wake up there is a young woman standing next to me holding me in a sitting position. This kind young woman stayed with me until I was feeling better. She checked my pulse and told me it was a little fast. She called an ambulance to check me over and called my wife to let her know I passed out. She told me her name was Amanda and that she was a nurse and that it was important I go to the hospital to be checked out. Now I am a stubborn war veteran and I refused to go with the ambulance to the hospital. I insisted on going home and that I would be fine. This young woman was a stranger to me yet she sat next to me and held my hand while I was not feeling well. She told me that is was in my best interest to go to the hospital but I still refused so she insisted on driving me to my home to make certain I got there safe. This kind young lady stopped everything she was doing to help me and then drove me home in my car so that I would not have to come back to get it. She asked me what I had stopped at Publix for. I showed her a list. She helped me settle into my house and got me some water. She called my wife and waited until she got home. Then she called a ride and left.
About an hour later we heard a knock at our door. Standing there was this sweet young woman with bags full of groceries. I could not believe my eyes! Not only had she helped me, gotten me home safely, but she had gone back and gotten the groceries that I had not been able to get. Of course, I offered to pay her. I wanted to show her how much I appreciate her kindness. I tried to hand her a check and she refused. She told me that she was happy that I was alright and that she needed no payment because knowing I was home safe was enough. I honestly cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for this young woman with a kind heart and sweet nature. Each action showed her true nature and that she is a rare person in this world.
My wife and I know that she is an angel placed here on earth and the patients she takes care of are in good hands. I would have been convinced that I dreamed her up except while cleaning out my car I found her name badge. This young lady works at St. Joseph's Hospital North on the third floor. St. Joseph's Hospital North would have my business anytime because they obviously have the good sense to employ kind and compassionate nurses whose dedication to caring for others is admirable. This young woman has shown me that as a nurse caring for patients, love and compassion reach past the walls of the hospital and out into the community. Thank you for choosing such kind and loving caregivers.
Note: This is Amanda's 2nd DAISY Award!