I was a recent patient in your Burlington Hospital. I had what was assumed to be simple appendicitis. However, that is not what turned out to be true. I responded negatively to the surgery and needed pretty extensive care. I can tell you that I have never received better care than I did at AMCB, and specifically under Samantha Barrios.
My story starts long before I was an inpatient at your hospital. You see, I am a high school anatomy teacher and have also taught at nursing school and medical school levels. I happened to have 8 of my nurses as former students during my 18-day Advocate Aurora stay.
One time when things were looking particularly challenging for me, it was at shift change that the true colors of your employee, Samantha, shined through. You see, Sam was a former student of mine. Not only was it naturally comforting to see a familiar face, but I also decided to be open and honest with my nursing team. I told Sam that I was uncomfortable, scared, and had a feeling of doom.
Sam immediately set down the things she was working on in my room and came to my bedside. She grabbed my hand and said to me, "I've got this, Mr. E. I am going to speak with the hospitalist and see what we can do. In the meantime, you rest and let me worry about you!" I felt a wave of peace like I have never felt before. Samantha did exactly as she told me she would do. She talked with the hospitalist and came back to share with me my care plan and how she was going to personally see that I was taken good care of. I remember little after that except her saying, at the end of her shift, "Tomorrow they are shorthanded, and I picked up a shift so I can come and take care of you again. I'll see you in 12 hours." That night I rested and rested well.
Unfortunately, my prognosis did not improve. I talked with Samantha and requested to be evaluated for a transfer. She listened to my every concern and followed through on every request. While this seems like an expectation you would have of all of your nurses, Samantha Barrios is an example that all health care providers should emulate. The physical part of medical healing is prescribed and regimented. The mental part of healing is felt. Samantha Barrios has an exceptional clinical manner in knowing her medicine, but she has an even greater heart in knowing her patients.