Letter: Effort at hospital is commendable

Monday, July 25, 2005 | 9:29 a.m.

My aunt, who lives with her husband in Henderson, was recently hospitalized at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals' Sienna Campus, near their home. I am an out-of-state nurse and had numerous questions regarding her condition that I couldn't glean from my family. Finally, it was decided that I would be the designated caller, so I could hopefully gather an accurate health picture of my aunt and then spread this news to other family members.

Every time I called this hospital, the secretaries and nurses went out of their way to assist me. It was shocking, because employees at the trauma center I recently left in Chicago seemed to pride themselves on being rude and discourteous when families called.

At St. Rose, however, it was much different. One night nurse on 4 East, named Susanne, was exceptionally helpful and gave me a report that most medical students are incapable of reciting. I complimented her and asked if working conditions for nurses were better in Las Vegas than the areas I am familiar with. She described her patient responsibilities and they were no different from what other nurses across the country are complaining about.

So, in conclusion, I'd like to commend Susanne and the hospital, because this facility is doing something right to attract the wonderful people that work there.

NANCY FOULKE Chicago