This is my sixth surgery and although I am confident in the abilities of the doctors this is the first time for me to have surgery at Thornton Hospital. I was pretty anxious the night before my surgery-I was thinking I will die on the operating table and I was having horrible dreams the previous nights. Belen always comes in with a smile on her face. She always reminds me to use the call light if I need help with anything. I didn’t tell the doctors and other nurses I was anxious about the surgery. Belen made me comfortable enough so I opened up to her about my worries about the surgery the next day without hesitation. She listened to me and held my hands. I know she was busy with other patients to take care of but she made me feel like I was the only patient she had. She does her evening care and always tidy’s the room making sure I have the call light and remote control. I sense her sincerity and care when she asked me if she can pray for me, she held my hands and we prayed together. I was embarrassed because I cried afterwards. That night I was able to sleep like a baby (even with the crazy 4 hour vital sign check) and I was calm that night and on the day of surgery I wasn’t anxious at all.
Belen came back to tell me she would include me in her prayers. That gesture really touched me. It shows the caring side of her. Unfortunately she is off the next day and I didn’t get to see her before I was discharged from the hospital.
One thing I will always remember were the caring gestures of Belen Rivera.