Joe Makem was the best nurse I’ve ever had! In my 71 years of life, I’ve had a lot of surgeries. He kept me company while I was waiting for my procedure. Our conversations were a great distraction. We talked about our careers, families, the hospital, as well as the issues plaguing California. None of our conversations made me uncomfortable. They were just entertaining! Joe also assured me that my doctor was excellent and that if they needed care, this doctor would be their first choice.

When his shift ended, he assigned me to another nurse rather than leave me unattended. I know that, as a profession, nurses are caring, but they also work hard. I’m sure they are tired at the end of their shifts, but I didn’t know I was his last patient of the day until it was time for him to leave. Joe was cheerful, fun to talk to, and very professional in accomplishing his duties. I especially appreciated that he placed the IV on the upper wrist instead of the top of my hand, which I always find very painful. Kaiser Hospital is lucky to have such an excellent RN on its staff.