A few weeks ago I got to see the other side of the hospital world as a patient at Salem Medical Center. Being a nurse, I was trying to self-diagnose and brush off some major symptoms I was having. My boss, Quality Director Faith Needleman, knew I wasn’t acting like myself and insisted I go speak to one of the doctors in the ICU. Dr. (Wamiq) Sultan examined me. He thought it was my appendix, I thought it was gas and guess what: Dr. Sultan was right!
I am so thankful for his clinical expertise. The ER staff was also great – Dr. (Tyler) Shapiro was very caring, along with my ER nurse Nikki Kloepping, RN. Radiology tech Karen Miller-Conto took time to explain the test I would be getting and helped me to remain calm. After we realized it was in fact my appendix. Dr. (Daniel) Timmerman wasted no time in getting me to the OR. This was my first major surgery and I was really scared.
Kristin Murphy, my pre-op and OR nurse for the case, explained everything and helped me feel safe. I was admitted overnight to 2N and Stacie Beals was my night shift nurse. She kept me free of pain and let me get rest. Dr. (Daniel) Timmerman got me out as early as possible the next day and was excellent with my follow up care.
Overall, I had a very good experience at Salem Medical Center and am so thankful for a team that kept me safe and comfortable. As I have reflected, it makes you look differently at how you do your job and especially how you interact with patients and families. I will take this experience and use it as a guide everyday I step into this building.
Thank you!
Alex Quinn, RN, BSN
Infection Preventionist