I am writing to share my positive experience in the surgical center and to single out someone who I felt went the extra mile for me. I had open inguinal hernia surgery. The whole team was fantastic, at every stage of my procedure. That includes my check-in, pre-op, surgery, recovery and dismissal. Everyone was genuinely caring, attentive, thorough and clear. I felt like I knew exactly what was to come along the way, and what I needed to do if I had questions or problems. It went very smoothly.

I want to single out someone who made me feel extra-special. It was my assigned nurse for the day, Courtney Riekena. From the minute she greeted me in my room, I felt I had her undivided attention. She wrote her name plainly on the white board, explained what was to follow and asked me some important questions before my wife came in. She was very caring, polite, and friendly, but never in an overbearing way. Others came and went, but I felt Courtney was orchestrating everything to make sure all the t's were crossed and the I's dotted. I felt everyone worked extremely well together. I also felt everyone truly enjoyed what they were doing, it was pretty amazing. Once I received the anesthesia, things are pretty much a blur, but I do remember being wheeled back to my room and seeing my wife again and having Courtney resume my care.

I know I told Courtney some things about myself, and bragged about my granddaughter, and showed her pictures of her. I told her a new grandchild was due any day. I also told her about my plans for a late winter golf trip to Arizona. Although she told me I shouldn't make any big decisions or purchases, I emailed the University Ridge Golf Course to order new golf clubs while I was still in recovery! She got a chuckle out of it, but since my wife was also in the room it was all good (I didn't want to miss a good deal that day). Courtney's goal and mine was to get me out of the hospital near 4:30 pm when the day was winding down and her shift was over. I never felt rushed, just that I was comfortable, not in pain and was OK to walk. Courtney took me for a walk in through the corridors and all went well. 4:30 came and went but she stayed with me. Sometime after 5pm I was discharged.

Thinking that was the end of it, and the last I'd hear from Courtney, I headed home to recover. Well much to my surprise, just a few days later I received a nice note in the mail from Courtney. She remembered every detail about me; the golf clubs, my soon to be born grandbaby, my golf trip to Arizona. I couldn't believe it! Most all she was wishing me the best recovery. This note went a very long way to give a spring to my step to recovery. It also restored my faith in health care workers, customer/patient service and the human spirit.