I was involved in a terrible car accident in September. I was first taken to a hospital in New Mexico. They discovered that I had some broken toes and then transferred to UMC the same day. I spent two nights in the ED. The Ortho surgeons decided I needed surgery and put me on a waiting list. I was transferred to VEDH. I had a very rough night. I have restless leg syndrome and take Requip at home. I was not given any because the hospital didn’t carry it.

On Monday, Carlos came into my room and introduced himself. Wow! Right away, I felt like I was going to have a good day. He was energetic and helpful, and he made me feel calm. My Ortho team came in to assess my toes and when they asked me how my night was, I explained that I had not had Requip and was very restless and in pain all night. As they left, they said that they would make sure they got me in that afternoon. Carlos heard the conversation and went into action. The doctor had given him orders to find some Requip, and Carlos was determined to find some no matter what he needed to do. He came into my room and told me he was going to fill out the paperwork for my surgery so when a spot came open, he would be able to get me in that spot. Throughout the day, he kept my spirits up and did everything imaginable to get my surgery done today and somehow get my Requip.

With a very sad heart, he came into my room at about 4:30 pm and told me my surgery was bumped to the following morning. I was very sad. He was very sad. He said that he would make sure I was at the top of the surgery list. If Carlos had not been my nurse, I don’t think I could have made it through the day. Carlos was enthusiastic, had a positive attitude, and was extremely helpful. I want to send out a public thank you to Carlos!! We need more people like him in the medical field. If I were to ever come back to UMC, I would want him to be my nurse! Thank you, Carlos, for getting me through a really tough day! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you!