My surgery happened very fast and was somewhat unexpected. I had an appointment with my surgeon in the clinic on a Wednesday morning to discuss gallbladder surgery, expecting that it would be scheduled in the future. That morning I was feeling very ill and by the time I got to see the surgeon, he and his nurse suggested having surgery that afternoon. I agreed with their recommendation because I was feeling quite sick, but nonetheless was very overwhelmed. I went to my office, gathered my belongings because I had been working that morning, and headed over to day surgery.
Once in a room, the first person to see me was Staci. She was so kind, and helped to calm my nerves. She explained what the next couple of hours would look like before surgery, and what to expect after. Staci also recognized that I am still breastfeeding my son. She was so supportive at guiding me in how to manage breastfeeding after surgery. She printed educational information for both me and my husband. She helped me make a plan on when I could pump breastmilk before I was taken upstairs for surgery. She was an amazing advocate for me as a breastfeeding mother. Staci talked to me and asked questions about my life and family. This helped me to feel comfortable and calm before surgery.
She provided great patient care, but also treated me like a friend. She also provided my husband with great information on what to expect while I was upstairs. Staci was also kind enough to check in with me after surgery before my care was transitioned to a different nurse. I am so thankful that she was with me that day. She made it a great experience during an overwhelming time. As both an employee and patient at Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare, I feel so thankful that we have team members like Staci to care for us in our most overwhelming and vulnerable moments. Thank you Staci for the care you provided me and all you patients.