This past Thursday my wife was admitted to emergency care due to a perforated ulcer. The surgery went well and my wife was admitted to the hospital that same day. The next night my wife was discovered with a TIA (stroke). I had just left the hospital to get something to eat but my son was still there and called me immediately. When I returned there were several nurses and doctors attending to my wife. Sam was just finishing her shift, but she was there taking charge and following the procedures for a stroke. Sam was very calm and it was obvious she knew exactly what to do and went about her duties quickly and confidently. Sam stayed with my wife for at least another hour until everything was under control. She could have left since her shift was over and there was adequate other personnel around who could have completed the stroke procedures, but Sam stayed right there until she was clearly no longer needed. A day or so later Sam came on her morning shift and noticed immediately that my wife's NG tube was not properly in position. I guess this was not a big deal but no one else noticed this issue.
The above two incidents as well as seeing Sam in action over the next several days proved to us just how competent Sam is and we feel blessed that Sam was her nurse most of the time my wife was at Aurora. In addition to her skill and knowledge, Sam was extremely compassionate and attentive to both my wife and me. She showed genuine concern and real compassion whenever she was with us. Her demeanor also makes her a real asset to the hospital and patients. While obviously displaying great skill in her job she is a fun person to be around. The mix of skill, knowledge, compassion, passion, and a bit of light humor provides a feeling of calm and trust for the patient as well as those related to the patient. I hope Aurora appreciates what they have in Sam. I know patients under her care are extremely fortunate she is there.