Patient’s Experience Changed His Attitude About Hospital Stays 

Being in the hospital can be a daunting experience, but for Don Masten of Holdrege, a recent stay at Kearney Regional Medical Center changed his perspective on hospital care. 

In December of 2022, Don began experiencing severe abdominal pain. He went to his local emergency room and was admitted for kidney stones. The physician also ordered further radiology tests. It was at that time, said Don, “My nurse started crying when they reviewed the results because they could tell there was more going on”.

Further tests revealed a cancerous Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) on the small intestine, prompting Don to be admitted to Kearney Regional Medical Center twice, and one stay he stayed for two weeks. During that time, Dr. Jason Walsh performed a robotic laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor and resection Don’s small intestine.  “Dr. Walsh and his surgery team were great to work with”,  said Don, “They gave me all the information I was wanting to know”.  Don is currently undergoing treatment for 30 tumors in his liver that developed as a result of the original cancer.

During both stays, he found the nursing care to be exceptional, with nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) going above and beyond to make sure he was cared for and comfortable. Said Don, “Jaylee Burkholder, CNA, and Tara Jameson, CNA, were particularly helpful in providing emotional support during my stay. When I received a cancer diagnosis, Tara and Jaylee helped me work through the emotional impact. Susan Weiler, CNA, also stood out for her quick thinking and action when I started to feel dizzy and almost passed out in the bathroom. Mariette Lourens, CNA, in Outpatient Services was also just what I needed when I was feeling down”, said Don.

Don was particularly impressed by the teamwork displayed by the staff, noting that it was not something he had experienced at other medical facilities. “Every single person went out of their way to be kind, making the whole experience pleasant.  Even in a tough environment, they always smiled, provided encouragement, and responded to my needs”.

“The care I received at Kearney Regional changed my attitude about a hospital stay,” said Don. “I felt vulnerable and emotionally exposed at times, but the staff rose to the occasion and did everything they could to make me feel comfortable and receive the best care possible. The level of attention and care provided by the nursing staff was second-to-none, and I would not hesitate to recommend Kearney Regional to my friends and family”.