I recently was a patient at Penrose and had a wonderful experience due largely to the care I received from the nurse on staff from 7p - 7a. I left feedback about my stay on a comment card, but later felt that my comments were not specific enough to express why I valued her care so much. So, after more careful thought, this is why Heidi made such a difference to me. My stay was October 30 -31st, following a hysterectomy. I was assigned room 1123 on the eleventh floor. Heidi, RN, was my nurse from 7pm - 7am.

This is the only major procedure I have ever had done, so recovery was a mystery to me. Although I received clear post-op instructions from Dr. P's office, the little things -- how much initial pain was involved, how independently mobile I was allowed to be -- were unknowns.

I felt somewhat lost until Heidi came on shift. Although all the care I have received everywhere in the Penrose system has been excellent, Heidi brought an element to her care that made a huge difference for me. She was "present" each time she was in my room or when I saw her as I walked the hallways during the night.

I never felt that she was distracted or pre-occupied by her other patients and responsibilities when I spoke with her. Her patience, sense of humor, compassion and gentle nudging to do all the things I needed to do for optimal recovery made me feel as if I had a partner in the experience.

I went home optimistic, in good spirits, and, once again, thankful that I have received my care at Penrose.