I arrived at Spectrum Blodgett two hours prior to surgery and was placed under the care of Joel Vedders, my pre-surgery nurse. Joel's demeanor immediately helped me to relax as I was anxious about my full knee replacement surgery.
Throughout my stay with Joel, he talked with me and my husband as he completed his tasks and asked me all of the pertinent questions. He was willing and more than able to answer the questions and concerns I had throughout the process.
When the pre-surgery regimen was completed, Joel felt comfortable with us to ask, "Would you feel comfortable if we prayed together?" Of course, we did! Joel offered up the most heartfelt prayer which totally eased my fears (and my husband's). Joel's "send-off" to surgery was above and beyond his duties, totally unexpected (as my husband and I had planned to pray together) and so natural for him.
When I think about the nursing profession and the importance of patient care, I can honestly say Joel embraces all the facets and exhibits empathy, care and concern in addition to the medical requirements of his profession.