I was admitted with (another) small bowel obstruction. My history with abdominal surgeries is complicated & surgeons are afraid of what they might find or what complications would happen if they did any more surgery on me. I am 65 yrs old & I have had numerous Abdominal surgeries since birth counting 5 bowel obstructions, 2 Bowel perforations, etc. Unfortunately for me, I have been in many hospitals, and I was anointed a "Seasoned Patient" by someone on the staff...I'm not offended by it...because unfortunately...it's the truth, so I hope you feel my opinion of your staff is validated. Through all of my hospital stays & medical care during my lifetime, I've had many different experiences, but I never had as many incredible & moving experiences with nurses & medical staff as I had during my recent stay at Advocate Illinois Masonic. I am forever grateful to those medical team members whose selfless & steadfast care they gave to me carried me through the ups and downs of my illness.

Nickolas Dal Cerro, RN- first of all his warm, compassionate, & caring bedside manner is second to none. The way he explains your medicine, the procedures he is doing, or just answering a question is very articulate & impressive. The first day I met him I felt like I was being cared for by someone who is quite knowledgeable & it made me feel like I was in very good hands. Later that evening, or should I say morning, that became an understatement. I can't tell you how grateful I am to this young man who by the grace of God was my attending nurse this particular night/morning. Nick's fast thinking, intelligence, proficiency, and attention to detail saved me from a complicated 4 am emergency surgery. I truly believe he saved my life that night. How do you say Thank You enough to someone like that? He is definitely at the top of my list & the finest nurse I have ever had...I will always be grateful for his wonderful care & always remember him as my "Guardian Angel". Thank You again, Nick!