My assigned nurse was Rachel. Over the afternoon into early evening, I had considerable interaction with Rachel. I found her to be a pleasant person who was very professional and friendly. She took time to ask me questions to learn more about me as a medical patient with various issues and treatments, but she also asked kind questions to learn about me as a person. I so appreciated the consideration of my immediate medical and emotional concerns.

My wife was out of the country, and my in-town son was working, so I felt pretty alone and concerned over my prognosis. Clearly, she did the research on my chart to learn of other conditions, all my meds, and tests to help paint an overall picture of my physical issue. I'm sure this helped no unturned stones. Smart move. Rachel explained everything to me so it wouldn't be so strange. As a concerned elderly patient in strange surroundings, she seemed to know exactly how to ease my mind and make me feel at home in the room. She sensed when to check on me and when to let me have a little quiet time, which was simple but greatly appreciated by me.

Over time, my medical needs were met, but she also learned of my son and daughter and my past work, and I learned she loves her job, started out as a CNA, and loves Bellevue Medical Center. I may have asked too many questions, but I felt comfortable with her as a member of my medical team, as I would with any other new friend I may meet at church or on the street. By the time she left that evening, I felt so at ease; she was personable and clearly had integrated herself into the overall care team I had contact with. That caring and concern for me continued this morning until I was discharged. I appreciate so many Bellevue Medical employees I have interacted with over the years, but clearly, Rachel is my vision of the poster child for BMC. I had a wonderful team care for my emergency and then for my stabilizing care; she is at the top of that list.