It was the last week of June, and Joe Nairn, from Upstate New York, was on his way to visit his brother in Oklahoma City. But his trip was unexpectedly cut short when he fell during a layover at Chicago Midway International Airport.
"He was bending over to pick up his luggage when he lost his balance and fell," explained Joe's wife, Terri. "He hit his head pretty hard and was taken by ambulance to Advocate Christ Medical Center."
In the emergency department, doctors determined Joe had fractures in the middle part of his spine and would need surgery. Terri, a retired Director of Nursing in New York, didn't know anything about Advocate Christ, but as she was waiting to board a plane to meet her husband, she happened to strike up a conversation with a man who worked for Chicago's Emergency Medical Services Division.
"I told him what happened to Joe, and he said, 'Be happy they took him to Advocate Christ. It's one of the best hospitals, and he's in good hands.' It was very reassuring."
Before departure, Terri was able to speak with Dr. Keith Schaible, the neurosurgeon who'd be performing Joe's operation.
"I've been a staff nurse in orthopedics and neurosurgery, and I had a lot of questions," shared Terri. "Dr. Schaible was very gracious and gave me all the information I asked for."
While Joe was in surgery, Terri was en route to Chicago. When she finally arrived at the hospital, it was past visiting hours. She explained to the staff that she'd just flown in and hadn't seen or spoken to her husband since his surgery.
"They were so sweet and allowed me to stay with him overnight," said Terri. "I got to see how he was doing. I also got to talk to Dr. Schaible, who I hadn't spoken to after surgery, so that was very helpful."
Joe was in the hospital for just over a week. He was discharged on the Fourth of July.
"Every day, the staff - from the check-in desk, to security, to food service and housekeeping - everyone I encountered was exceptional. They were personable and helpful in providing directions. One person even walked me to the outpatient pharmacy, which was in a different area of the hospital. I couldn't have asked for a better experience as a visitor in a town I'm not familiar with."
As a nurse, Terri was also impressed with the care Joe received.
"I knew Advocate Christ was Magnet certified, which is the gold standard by which nursing and patient care is measured. I could see many of the Magnet standards exhibited in the care Joe received," she said. "I witnessed a lot of good safety practices and evidence-based care. The staff should be proud of the work they're doing."
Giving back
Today, Joe is back home in New York. He's doing physical therapy and working on his mobility, strength and balance. Grateful for the care he received at Advocate Christ, Terri wrote a note of thanks and made a generous donation to Advocate Christ's Nursing Research, Education and Wellness fund with a note to direct the funds to nurses on 4West, the floor where Joe received care.
"At first, I thought about sending food to the staff, but not everyone would be able to take part. Instead, I donated as a gesture of thanks and with the intent that my gift will help nurses with wellness, career growth, development and continuing education."
Advocate Christ Medical Center is supported by the generosity of donors like Terri. You can support patients like Joe, their families and the nurses and staff who care for them by making a gift today.