When Care is Needed Far from Home: A Patient’s Story
November 25, 2024
Health NewsAn ER visit and a catheterization, all while on vacation!
Linda Miller thought a trip to Lake Tahoe would be a fun and relaxing way for her and her husband to celebrate 35 years of marriage. But within hours of arriving in Reno, Linda started to feel a little “off” but was not that concerned. However, when things didn’t improve, her daughter, who is a physician assistant, advised her to seek care at an ER.
“We were staying at a local resort, across the country from everything we know at home, so I didn’t know what to expect when looking for the closest emergency room,” she said. “I found Sierra Medical Center, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, was the closest to me and we went straight there.”
“Everything ran so smoothly!”
Triaged shortly upon arrival, Linda had an irregular heartbeat, felt sweaty and clammy, and was experiencing nausea and a headache. “I was taken to the back of the ER and a tech was there, ready to do a chest X-ray, even before I was able to take my shoes off,” she said. “They were just on it, and everything ran so smoothly.”
Linda’s test results indicated a possible heart condition, and her care rapidly escalated from that point.
“Once I was admitted, a cardiologist was quickly consulted, and I was told I would have to have a heart catheterization done. They were able to get me on the schedule for the very next day,” she said.
A kind, comforting, and professional staff
Being so far away from home, Linda and her family were initially a bit nervous about the care she would receive, as they were not familiar with Reno. “I’ve had two heart catheterizations done before but never so far from home,” she said. “But the knowledge and professionalism displayed were just phenomenal. The cath lab staff made me laugh and feel more at ease before heading in for the procedure.”
Not only were the staff comforting to Linda, but to her husband as well.
“My husband did not have much to eat or drink and wasn’t sure where he could find some food,” she said. “However, one of the sweet employees, Gabe, took the time to take my husband down to the vending machines and back up to my room.”
After a successful procedure, Linda was monitored and discharged to enjoy the rest of her vacation.
“I’m a retired pediatric nurse and my patients used to say that I got a ‘green check’ after their visits. I am happy to say that the staff at Sierra Medical Center get a ‘green check!’” she exclaimed.