I have had about 20 surgeries (mostly skeletal repairs) in my life, starting with multiple bone grafts between the ages of 5 and 9. As an adult, all I remember about the wheelchair ride to the car was having things (flowers, personal items, etc.) placed on my lap and being handed a packet with a quick, “Here are your discharge papers,” without anything further explained. Off we went to the car. When I got home, I usually set the papers aside without ever looking at them because I was busy getting settled.

However, when I was discharged after many complications following my recent second hip replacement, my experience was vastly different. A very kind gentleman wearing his “RN” name tag entered with my “homegoing wheelchair,” and things were surprisingly different from anything I had experienced before.

First, he suggested we sit together and go over my discharge papers so that if I had any questions, we could address them right then. He went through every page with me, carefully explaining each medication, what it was for, and when I should take it. He gave me an enormous amount of information in a way that was clear and supportive. Kameron even offered me a pen so I could jot down anything I didn’t want to forget.

We talked for as long as it took for me to feel fully aware of and prepared to take care of myself, my medications, and what to expect once I got home. He answered all of my questions and made me feel genuinely ready, something that meant so much after previously going home from this same surgery and ending up right back in the hospital due to complications.

I also learned that Kameron had been a physician in Iran before immigrating to the United States more than 20 years ago. Even though he updated his education and passed the medical licensing exam here in the U.S., he was not allowed to practice as a doctor. So he went to school again to become an RN because he still had his “prime directive” in life: to help people who need medical care.

I am confident that Kameron is a caring, gracious man who makes every one of his patients feel fully informed and empowered. Thank you, Kameron, for all you do to support your patients. I truly hope that going over discharge papers in this thoughtful, respectful way will one day become a standard part of the discharge process for all patients. Perhaps you could even train other nurses on this kind and empowering approach.

With much respect and appreciation,
From one of the many patients blessed by your care.