‘Excited and anxious’: When an employee undergoes surgery
By Stephanie Buck
(SACRAMENTO)
Despite a background in health care and more than two years at UC Davis Health, Mila Miranda couldn’t help but feel anxious about her own upcoming surgery. The assistant manager in sterile processing was set to undergo an eight-level spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis.
“Knowing the intricacies of what could go right or wrong only added to my anxiety,” said Miranda.
Patient and Assistant Manager, Sterile Processing, Mila Miranda
But as soon as the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery admitted her last September, her experience was “nothing short of incredible.” The perioperative staff, anesthesia team and operating room staff put her at ease. “It meant the world to me in such a vulnerable state,” she said.
After a successful surgery, Miranda settled into her recovery room. She was pleased with the beautiful view from the 14th floor. The care she received continued to exceed expectations. A team of physical therapists, physicians, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners and nursing provided exceptional care around the clock.
“I could truly feel that everyone was invested in my recovery, treating me not as just another patient but as a person, with compassion and expertise,” she said. The nursing staff especially reassured Miranda that it was okay to be vulnerable as a patient and to need assistance during healing.
She received most of her postoperative care from Orthopedic Nurse Dita Adhikari, who Miranda called “amazing.”
Adhikari responded, "Thank you Mila for your valued recognition of my nursing care. I am happy to have provided you healing care during your hospital stay. Being recognized fuels my passion for nursing to continue to provide the best care for my patients."
Miranda attributes her swift recovery to the support she felt.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every single person who cared for me during my stay,” she said. “Your kindness, professionalism and commitment to my well-being have made a lasting impact on me. It's not often you get to experience such high-quality care from both sides of the medical field, but I can say, without a doubt, that UC Davis has changed my life in the most positive way.”
The Small Dose, Big Impact series recognizes employees who take the extra step, however tiny, to make meaningful connections with patients. Better health takes more than health care. Believe in better.
