It is not easy to decide to have a heart valve replacement at any age, let alone in your nineties. Nevertheless, my family and I agreed it was the right thing for me when my shortness of breath required me to make multiple stops between my independent living unit and the dining room, mailbox, and my occasional poker games. I am writing to recognize Madeline Wieter for her extraordinary care during my stay at your facility. Madeline, however, had the difficult task of being my day nurse for my third and fourth days when I had hoped to go home on my second day. I was not happy. The anesthesia took longer than anticipated to leave my system, which resulted in a bladder that did not want to drain. This required the occasional use of a catheter and the discussion of sending me home with one.
This process can feel intrusive and does not make allowances for modesty, but Madeline always made me feel like she was on my side. She empathized with my reluctance to get a catheter and made me feel heard. She asked the doctor to revisit the schedule so that I could get solid food and explained to me why it was important to adjust to changing circumstances (like when my blood pressure dropped when I stood up). It always felt like she was direct and honest with me, and when they moved me from the step-down critical care bed to a general bed, she asked to remain my nurse. I was so happy when I realized that the same kind, calm, direct person who had been helping me through my bladder issues would remain with me. For a while, it seemed they might keep me a fourth night, but thanks to a bladder that “woke up” and a nurse who lobbied for me to go home, I was able to sleep in my own bed that night.

I am writing this four days later. I feel good, and I feel a bit better every day. My family and I are very grateful for the professionalism and kindness shown to me by everyone we interacted with at Good Samaritan. I want to recognize Madeline for going above and beyond. Her personal warmth and professionalism helped me want to get better.