March 13 was the first of 18 consecutive days which I was under the care of North Kansas City Hospital. I suffered a serious fall resulting in the fracture of three neck vertebrae. Such a condition created excruciating nerve pain in my arms, hands, fingers, and placed my entire body at risk. Certainly, I acknowledge the entire operating room staff as they accomplished a successful and difficult surgery resulting in my now active path towards recovery. There was one specific nurse that went above and beyond in demonstrating care and professionalism during my surgery and even days afterward; Sheri Donelson, demonstrated a level of empathy that was touching as I was transitioning from a state of constant pain to the welcome relief of general anesthetic.
During my long surgery, she gave my concerned family members updates which eased their level of concern. Nurse Donelson even visited me twice post op as I continued my recovery at the hospital. She provided excellent care not only for me, but more importantly she helped manage the concerns of my family.
Recently, I gave the key note address at the annual AORN workshop and Nurse Donelson was a key focus of that speech. North Kansas City Hospital received and deserved much credit at this event.