I recently had one of my acoustic neuroma patients from another facility admitted to Eastside to address a problem he was having. Some weeks later in the office during a follow-up visit, I asked the patient about his experience in both hospitals and he commented about how impressed he was with the quality and attention to detail exhibited by the nursing staff at Eastside. He specifically singled out the kindness and compassion of Erma in Day Surgery. She spent extra time with this very anxious, nervous patient, and provided supportive conversation and counseling and reassurance while he waited to go to surgery. He was somewhat difficult to obtain an IV in and apparently Erma masterfully accomplished this. The week following his surgery, Erma approached me and asked about this particular patient and how he was doing.
It is very obvious how kind, gentle, and caring Erma is while observing her every day at her work. I thought this gentleman's description of her compassionate care was very moving. I know from being a patient myself how just some kindness and reassurance by a preop nurse can put a vulnerable and nervous patient at ease. I am so proud to hear my patients comment on the exemplary nursing care they have experienced while on my neurosurgical service at Eastside. Thanks for providing the nursing management that helps instill these values in our nurses. Erma proudly told me that she has worked for HCA here for 28 years. It is wonderful to see her radiate such pride in her work. I want her to know how much I admire her for that.