I was blessed to have Jeff Tostenson as my nurse for 2 shifts including the dismissal shift. He took the time to figure out that I was a logical thinker, problem solver, and that I wanted to know best, worst, and most likely outcomes for the many changes going on in my body and mind. He was magnificent in his ability to quell concerns and mentally prepare me as a patient for those changes. We discussed medicines, dosages, side effects, oxygen levels, blood pressure changes due to my 30-plus pound kidney and cyst removal surgery, heart rates, bladder retention, etc.

I proposed to Jeff many questions and variations to come to an understanding of the subject matter under discussion. He was upfront, plain-spoken, honest, and knowledgeable. I am sure he can also speak in a language that would be effective for a patient needing the "soft touch" approach or in my case being factual, logical, and serious. I believe that his ability to change his communication skills based on the audience (patient) is a skill that should be rewarded. I feel so strongly that I made a $500 donation to Gift of Life Transplant House in honor of Jeff Tostenson's excellent nursing care. That gift says it all about my view of Jeff as my nurse and his care during my stay at Mayo.