Ben Anderson
April 2026
Ben
Anderson
,
Staff Nurse II
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
Santa Rosa
,
CA
United States
His advocacy made me feel heard, respected, and much more secure.
I have been going through a great deal of testing over the last several months, trying to find out what is happening with my liver. Between constantly waiting for and reviewing lab results, undergoing the dreaded MRI, and one test after another, I have been emotionally and physically exhausted. By the time I arrived for my liver biopsy, I was extremely anxious.
Before I had even registered, Ben found me in the front lobby, introduced himself, and immediately began explaining what I could expect. He assured me that he would be with me from start to finish. We walked together to registration, where he told me he would return to get me—and he did exactly that.
From that moment on, Ben continually oriented me to everything that was happening. He explained where I was, where I was going, what would happen during the procedure, and what to expect afterward. He answered every "what," "where," "how," and "why," helping me become as comfortable and reassured as possible.
Wanting a little distraction, I asked Ben why he had chosen to become a nurse. He graciously shared his story, and I truly enjoyed getting to know the person caring for me. He was both professional and personable—a rare combination that I deeply appreciated.
Ben advocated for me throughout my procedure. He introduced me to the physician and every member of the care team, making sure I always knew who was involved in my care. He consistently reassured me by explaining everything he was doing and everything that was happening in preparation for the biopsy.
When I shared my concerns about sedation and explained that I am a smaller woman who does not even drink alcohol, Ben immediately spoke up on my behalf. He respectfully communicated my concerns to the physician and the assisting nurse, helping ensure that everyone understood my comfort level. His advocacy made me feel heard, respected, and much more secure.
I know that, for the staff, this may have been "just another biopsy," but for me it was a stressful medical procedure with real, though uncommon, risks. Ben never treated me like just another patient on the schedule. He understood that while this procedure was routine for him, it was not routine for me. He recognized that every patient is different and deserves individualized care.
Another thing I appreciated was that Ben understood the emotional burden of waiting for results. Although he could not discuss the outcome, he showed genuine concern and offered reassurance whenever he could.
I am writing this at 11:00 p.m. after a long and stressful day because I could not go to bed without acknowledging the unforgettable difference Ben made in my experience.
Thank you, Ben. I hope you read this and know how deeply appreciated you are. You truly make a difference in people's lives, and I am so grateful the world has nurses like you.
Before I had even registered, Ben found me in the front lobby, introduced himself, and immediately began explaining what I could expect. He assured me that he would be with me from start to finish. We walked together to registration, where he told me he would return to get me—and he did exactly that.
From that moment on, Ben continually oriented me to everything that was happening. He explained where I was, where I was going, what would happen during the procedure, and what to expect afterward. He answered every "what," "where," "how," and "why," helping me become as comfortable and reassured as possible.
Wanting a little distraction, I asked Ben why he had chosen to become a nurse. He graciously shared his story, and I truly enjoyed getting to know the person caring for me. He was both professional and personable—a rare combination that I deeply appreciated.
Ben advocated for me throughout my procedure. He introduced me to the physician and every member of the care team, making sure I always knew who was involved in my care. He consistently reassured me by explaining everything he was doing and everything that was happening in preparation for the biopsy.
When I shared my concerns about sedation and explained that I am a smaller woman who does not even drink alcohol, Ben immediately spoke up on my behalf. He respectfully communicated my concerns to the physician and the assisting nurse, helping ensure that everyone understood my comfort level. His advocacy made me feel heard, respected, and much more secure.
I know that, for the staff, this may have been "just another biopsy," but for me it was a stressful medical procedure with real, though uncommon, risks. Ben never treated me like just another patient on the schedule. He understood that while this procedure was routine for him, it was not routine for me. He recognized that every patient is different and deserves individualized care.
Another thing I appreciated was that Ben understood the emotional burden of waiting for results. Although he could not discuss the outcome, he showed genuine concern and offered reassurance whenever he could.
I am writing this at 11:00 p.m. after a long and stressful day because I could not go to bed without acknowledging the unforgettable difference Ben made in my experience.
Thank you, Ben. I hope you read this and know how deeply appreciated you are. You truly make a difference in people's lives, and I am so grateful the world has nurses like you.