My husband went to Princess Anne ER and was admitted due to an infection. After receiving labs and tests they stated the next day that he had endocarditis. At that time, they transferred my husband to the Heart Hospital on the 3rd floor where he was treated with the utmost respect. My husband was treated by many different specialists and all were very professional and knowledgeable. My husband was scheduled for valve replacement and the surgery went well, however one side of his heart was struggling to beat. At that time, my husband was placed on ECMO, dialysis and a ventilator. They advised me that he had a 50/50 chance to live. During this time in the ICU, we had many wonderful nurses, however one stood out. Barbie was amazing, wonderful, honest, sweet, nice, loving, caring, and most of all sincere to my husband and our family. Also, she was on top of my husband's privacy and respect for our family.
My husband had the valve replacement and from day one they told me that my husband would pass away at least 4 times before passing away. During this process, Barbie helped me get through those days with her comforting words. Barbie was very professional and answered all my questions if she did not know the answers she would page her supervisor or the appropriate doctors to explain. Barbie never made me feel uncomfortable for asking questions and never judged me. Also, I was very concerned with confidential information and his privacy and Barbie made sure there was a sign placed on my husband's door for only family to visit.
My husband was fighting for his life and there was nothing I could do but be there to support him every day, all day, so when a nurse takes the time to provide the best care for my husband it really meant so much to me. She is not just a nurse because it's her job and she is getting paid, Barbie is a nurse who takes her job seriously and who really cares for her patients.
I lost my husband and the father of my children. This was the worst thing that has ever happened to me and my family and the support from my Sentara/Optima family, management, Heart Hospital surgeons, doctors, and nurses help us get through it. I would like to sincerely thank Barbie Hong for her excellent care and compassion to my family during this time.