Earlier this year, I underwent a heart valve repair procedure. The surgery went well, and I spent one day in the ICU. I was moved to the step-down unit and was doing well.

Two days later, while in the step-down unit, I went into V-Fib which caused my heart to stop beating. The staff immediately performed CPR and used an AED to revive me. I was moved to the ICU where three hours later, it happened again. It was determined that an external monitor was not correctly sensing my heart rhythm.

Although I was revived once again, it caused some concern as my wife was at my bedside as it happened. My attending nurse was Beth Feddeler. She was a compassionate and caring person who was there for much-needed reassurance. Although all of the staff in the ICU was outstanding, Beth was most genuine with her attention and concern. A few days after that, Beth began a new position as a training nurse and although I was still in the ICU, she still occasionally checked in on me and my wife.

I was moved to a room in the step-down unit for three additional days and Beth still made time to visit my wife and me. Several days after that, I was discharged and before leaving the hospital, Beth came to my room to give Vickie and me a well-appreciated hug. Although it was a difficult time for both me and my wife, we were privileged to meet and be cared for by Beth.