On December 23rd, my father-in-law Roger Gorham, was admitted to Bergen Mercy for heart surgery the next day.  We want to take a minute to compliment your awesome staff. It is important to realize that Roger has never had surgery before. As a currently employed RN, I believe I am a good evaluator of good care. At Exempla we strive for Best in Nation service. I will say, that what we experienced at Bergen Mercy was absolutely awesome. The RNs on the cardiac unit, Jen L, Brenlie, Keri P, Ali, Gina G, Jamie, Tammy, Joan, Jill A and Philip were so very caring and compassionate. They were all without exception a credit to their profession. Also Helen and Margaret from cardiac rehab, and the respiratory therapists were awesome. Each one treated Roger, and his family with respect and caring during a most stressful time, during the winter blizzard, over Christmas. You can be proud of how this nursing staff represents your hospital. Congratulations on being in my mind “Best in Nation.” Please tell them thank you from us. Roger is recovering well with a lot of spunk and taking charge of his life. Thank you for doing what you do so well and for giving us back someone who we love so much. It was a hard way to spend the holidays away from our own family, but you made it much easier and helped us see the true meaning of Christmas.  God Bless.  

-Judy

I came in for surgery at Lakeside Hospital, to have a D&C.  This is not something anyone wants to go through so obviously I was scared, horrified, nervous and upset. My nurses that took care of me were SO unbelievably awesome. My nurse, Diana made me feel so much better and helped me just relax a little. Sharon in recovery was also great, although I was only half awake when I talked to her. After my recovery, I went to another area where I had a nurse named Teresa, she was awesome. I was still sort of out of it and Teresa made sure that I had everything I needed and just really took care of me. Everyone was very sympathetic of my situation which helped me get through my difficult day there. Even though it was a horrible situation and surgery to have to go through, it couldn't have been better.

My husband and I both had surgery 4 days apart at two different healthcare systems.  I had my gallbladder removed at Lakeside Center and my husband had shoulder surgery at another local outpatient surgery.  I am an RN at Alegent, but I was very nervous about my surgery.  When the nurse called my name to go back to pre-op both my mom and my husband were by my side.  The nurse encouraged my family stay with me while she got me ready for surgery.  My husband helped me change into the hospital gown and he held my hand while I got my IV.  It was very comforting to have my family by my side.  They didn't leave my side until I walked into the O.R. When I woke up I bet it wasn't 15 minutes before my mom and husband were by my side and they got to stay with me throughout my recovery.

Four days later my husband went in for surgery at another facility that was not Alegent affiliated.  When my husband went back for preop, I was not allowed to go back with him, in fact, it was 1 hour and 20 minutes before I got to see him.  He was already changed and had an IV in his hand and had been sitting by himself for an hour.  I was with him for 10 minutes before they made me leave.  The next time I was able to see him he was already dressed and ready to leave the recovery room and go home.  Again I got to see him for 10 minutes before I signed to have him discharged.  I felt horrible that he had to sit by himself through recovery plus I didn't know how he was doing. 

Being both a patient and a family member of a loved one having surgery makes you realize how much your anxiety is decreased when you are connected with your loved ones.  Being connected to my family made a huge impact on the quality of care I received and made my surgical experience a pleasant one.  However, being disconnected from my husband during his surgery made his and my experience at that facility unpleasant.  Thank you Lakeside outpatient surgery nurses and staff for the care you gave to me and my family, you truly made my surgical experience "Excellent".

-Breanne