I received care from the ER team beginning about 7 pm. My assigned nurse was Joyner. He was the primary caregiver. For many weeks, I had been experiencing pain in my abdomen and, earlier that day, had been seen by urgent care. The doctor prescribed meds during an urgent care visit earlier that day, but told me that if I got a fever or shakes, I should immediately call Kaiser. About 3 hours later, I developed a fever and my teeth started to chatter uncontrollably. I called Kaiser and was directed to go to the ER in Vallejo.

Upon arrival, I was quickly taken in for vitals and assigned to a room. Nurse Joyner introduced himself and said he would be following my care. He was very jovial and professional. He kept my spirits up, and I felt like he really cared about me. Throughout my time there, he checked on me multiple times, explaining what was happening, what the doctor was doing/ordering, and why. Joyner’s narration and lighthearted banter kept me calm.

Following a CT scan, when the doctor told me the diagnosis, Joyner told me I would be discharged. As an elderly woman, I had no one to take me to the ER earlier, and since I was advised not to drive, I ordered a Lyft ride. This was my first time using Lyft, and I was a bit nervous. When I was discharged, it was nearly midnight, and I told Joyner I was worried about trying to get a ride home. I had never used Lyft until today, and I wasn’t sure if I could get a ride late at night. Joyner asked if I was a Kaiser member. I was. He said Kaiser would order a Lyft and pay for it to ensure I got home safely. I live pretty far away from Vallejo, in Yountville. He saw how concerned I was and told me I would be fine. He had the girl who was checking out patients go get my meds from the pharmacy, and she got the Lyft. She then told me she would have someone wait with me to get me in the right vehicle. The woman at the front desk, where you check into the ER, kept me company.

When Lyft didn’t show up, she went back and found out where they were and told me it was a different car now. She waited outside with me until the right car arrived and confirmed it was for me. This is an example of a well-oiled machine. The whole team worked together to care for me. I was so thankful to Joyner and all the others who were on my case last night. Vallejo is a violent town, and Kaiser ER is not in the best location. There were several security guards on that night who watched over me, too. My experience demonstrates the quality of care I received that day. This team is the best. I was so fortunate to have them when I was scared, sick, and alone.