I had surgery to remove a mass from my esophageal space and was very much on edge post- surgery with the 6+ incision on my neck. I had been given sufficient pain medication in recovery before being moved to my room. It just so happened that I was moved directly during a shift change. I was promptly introduced to the nurse on duty and I was told he would only be there for a few more moments. He offered to do what he could in the minutes he had left. However, I understood and said I could wait.
Ellie came in and also promptly introduced herself and knew that I hadn't eaten anything. I asked for a Coke and she quickly returned with ice and the Coke while I waited for the first meal I'd had that day to come from the kitchen. Throughout the night she understood when my pain started to grow and also later when I presented with a headache. She made a quick call to the doctors and returned with my choice of prescriptions and immediately delivered what I had chosen.
Ellie was very good at putting my fears to rest as well. She understood that as a disabled person, I was bound and determined to do as much as I could for myself. Her kindness was at the forefront of her care for me and I can't thank her enough for that. I know a nurse's job is never done while they are on duty and that they have multiple patients to help. However, not once did I feel like I was interrupting or of a lesser importance than any other person she was helping. If I ever have to return to the University of Chicago Hospital, I'd very much like to have her as my caregiver. I'm not an easy person to impress, but in the few short hours that I was with Ellie, I was more than impressed with her compassion, thoughtfulness, and professionalism. It was my pleasure to have her as my caregiver and will recommend the U of C hospital because of Ellie. She gave me the best care I've ever had at any hospital over the past fifteen years.