"I realized she was having difficulty breathing so I transferred her to an RN here at the Call Center," said Arguello.

Rhonda Giambrone, RN, SETON Call Center, took the call and after an assessment of her symptoms, determined that EMS needed to be dispatched to assist the patient.

"Every person here cares about the welfare of each patient and co-worker," said Giambrone. "I don't think I have ever had the privilege of working with a group of professionals with this level of commitment."

"The lady later called to thank us and to let us know she was in the hospital and doing well," said Arguello.

Angie Perez, RN, SETON Call Center, recalled a similar situation when an elderly woman called for health advice. "She lived alone and had been struggling with vomiting and diarrhea for days until she became dehydrated," said Perez.

Perez, who has worked at the Call Center for nine months, called 9-1-1 for the caller but remained on the line with her to calm her fear. Like most SETON Call Center nurses, Perez said the rewards of her job come from the genuine appreciation that the patients demonstrate for the advice, doctor referrals and access to care that they are able to provide them.

"She was very grateful when I explained that we are here for her whenever she needs us. This gave her a sense of security and the confidence in her ability to continue to live alone," said Perez. "She repeatedly thanked me for helping her."

Scenarios like these take place daily at the SETON Call Center, where nurses provide around-the-clock advice for situations ranging from minor to life-threatening.