Lalo Vattendahl Vidal, BSN RN

Lalo was my pre-op nurse for my first surgery, a kidney donation for my sister. I was scared, but he walked me through every step slowly and calmly, explaining what was happening and what I needed to do.

His steadiness made me feel like everything was under control. His calm helped me find mine. He anticipated needs before I even had to ask, like when the lab nurse came to draw blood, he asked if they could use a drop for my blood sugar check so I wouldn't need another poke. He took time to explain pain management, what I might feel afterward, and what to expect. That guidance helped me so much post-op.

When my family came to sit with me before I went into the OR, he greeted them warmly, by their names, and pulled up chairs for each of them. Every action he took communicated, You're safe. You're going to be okay. I cannot thank him enough. I walked in terrified, but I went into surgery feeling held, supported, and okay.

Thank you, Lalo, for being an exceptional nurse. The way you cared for me stayed with me throughout the entire experience and after.