This was a difficult but important task. Just about everyone I had any contact with was friendly and very professionally effective in what they did. I had a hard time narrowing the list of potential nominees, so I am going to indulge in acknowledging several of the nurses and staff for the excellent care I received. I came to the Emergency Departmentlate in the evening, having what was later diagnosed as a gall bladder attack and an electrolyte imbalance. I was there overnight and then admitted to the 3rd floor for 24 hours.
I was greeted warmly by Ben and taken immediately to a bed and exam room, where he expeditiously and calmly took a history while starting an I.V. on a very dehydrated person, demonstrating his strong skills. From midnight to 7:00 a.m., he was my nurse, and I felt safe and confident in the care I was receiving because of his involvement. Ben kept me informed about test results and interventions and monitored my pain closely. His nursing skills were exceptional. Additionally, he was very calm and easy-going, though moved quickly as needed. His whole demeanor was friendly, not saccharine, and he had this wonderful sense of humor and ability to relate professionally, but with this air of warmth and good humor. He noticed that my husband, who has Parkinson’s Disease, was very fatigued, and invited him to rest in an empty bed, saying, “Come with me. This is a slow night, and you need sleep. I will come get you if she needs anything.” I found that kind and thoughtful, and was grateful for his concern and assistance to my husband. Though I am emphasizing his empathy, humor, grace, and totally “chill” demeanor, I do not want to shortchange my respect for his professional skills, which I found exceptional.