On Wednesday afternoon, I was transferred from the ICU at St. Luke’s South Shore to the 3rd floor, for the purpose of continued therapy in the orthopedic unit. I had had surgery on my right hip for a femoral neck fracture. Upon arriving on the 3rd floor, nurse Jeff McDaniel immediately greeted me with, “This must be my new patient.” Jeff helped me get organized and ready for important therapy from PT.

In fact, I was able to walk quite a way down the hallway using a walker. Then the big surprise comment was made that perhaps I was going to be transferred to a rehab facility instead. I said “Now?” It was already after 4:30 pm and most departments were closing. I felt very worried and  Jeff wanted to get the answer for me. Jeff sought out the doctor who immediately came up to the 3rd floor. The doctor was kind enough to explain to me that insurance coverage was holding up my discharge papers for one more night.

Jeff had calmed my fears about going out into a dark snowy night; and true to his dedication he stood up against the windows in my hospital room and talked with me. He told me about his military career and how he overcame his worries and fears by cooking. More specifically, Jeff started to learn the art of baking and would bring pies to his staff members. In other words, Jeff set out to make others happy, in spite of his own worries. I myself relaxed as evening came to St. Luke’s South Shore in Cudahy, WI. It was a nice conversation and nurse Jeff said that as soon as the shift changed at 7:00 pm, he and his wife were leaving for California. At 7:30 pm when indeed the shift had changed, Jeff once again looked in to make sure all was well. That was truly kind. Better nurses cannot be found. I told my husband about nurse Jeff that night and my husband said, “He deserves a compliment” and I agree.