In December 2017 I developed multiple pulmonary emboli. No symptoms but extreme breathlessness, so I came to the ER one evening. I was so out of breath; the office staff minimized the check-in paperwork and Chris took me back to the care area. He took the essential information about my experience, consulted with the physician on duty, and came back to me with such optimistic concern that I knew I was in good hands. After we spoke for a few minutes, he briefly but thoroughly explained the tests ordered for me, what they were looking for, and introduced me to the tech who would run the tests. After the tests, while we waited for the doctor to come in to talk with me, Chris shared some experiences from his own life that reassured me. He never spoke down to me and treated me like a partner in my own health care. Chris communicated his perception that I have some medical background and understood much of what was happening. That in itself gave me tremendous comfort. After the doctor came in to tell me just how serious my condition was, Chris continued supporting my grasp of the situation without ever communicating worry or alarm. He had other responsibilities, and took care of them, but stayed in touch with me and made sure I had everything I needed.
There was some discussion among the doctors about whether Borgess Lee was technically prepared to care for me, or if I should be transferred to a higher level facility. I stayed the night and was transferred the next day. Chris took the time to look in on me at BMC on the days he worked there, even though as an emergency room nurse he was no longer directly involved in my care. He stopped in a few times during the six days I was at BMC, just to check on me and say hi. That gave me such a great sense of caring and really enhanced the sense that I was among friends who were also helping me to get better.
I can't say enough good things about the care I got at Borgess and Chris led the procession of caregivers who restored my health.