My 31-year-old son has epilepsy. So, we are familiar with the ER, unfortunately. I have grown to recognize this nurse.

The first occasion, he was so kind, professional, and informative. Sometimes people with disabilities aren't given genuine respect, but are often patronized. However, Stephen addressed my son with the utmost respect, "Yes, sir! Is there anything else you need?"

On our latest visit to the ER, I saw that Stephen was on duty, thank God. He is my favorite nurse. My son was admitted for three days previously, then was discharged, but after a couple of days had an arm swelling. We went to the urgent care, and they ran some tests, then found out that he had blood clots. They immediately called Mountainview to say we were on our way.

We arrived at around 5 pm, and by 11, it was determined that my son would be admitted. The following morning, who do I see? My favorite nurse, he was assigned to us. This was at 7:30 am. He paged the doctor right away, per my request, to discuss what meds my son would be receiving. A few minutes later, and before administration, Stephen informed us what the medications were.

But the order was different from what the doctor and I had discussed the previous night. So, I said, “Halt! I don't feel comfortable with you administering what the order says because that's not what the doctor and I discussed”. He immediately paged the doctor again. He stated that he understood the need for clarification and that it's my right. He also brought the pharmacist to us to discuss the situation.

He made me and my family feel at ease, especially because my husband and I were leaving for a cruise the following day, so now I feel more relieved about going on the cruise. This nurse really put trust back into my heart about Mountainview and in the medical field in general. I feel like Stephen is a true advocate for patients and their families.

One more thing: I know the ER only allows one person in the back at a time, but he let my husband in. He felt that, after all the mishaps and miscommunication at this point, it's only right for my son to have both of us with him. He was very apologetic about the circumstances, like not having a room right away and the other delays.

When I say Mountainview has a diamond in the rough, please believe me when I say that you do. I was even thinking of signing out my son and just going elsewhere, but when Stephen took the time to listen to us and made us feel heard and with a seeing eye, I again felt relieved and at ease.

So, after he involved the doctor in getting the clarification I needed about the medication, I knew we were safe and in caring hands, even though it's now seven hours later. I had faith in the ER, and Stephen is a jewel.

There was a little delay in starting the Heparin. He weighed my son before starting it. He asked for help from others and got my son's IV up and running. He acknowledged my husband’s concern for the delay by agreeing that we all don’t want the clot to get worse.

In summary, I appreciate Stephen because he is caring, and his bedside manner is King. Recognize the asset you have in Mountainview ER.