Baptist Health South Miami Hospital — Local services in South Miami

This review is for the IMCU (step down) unit only and geared towards night shift nurses. The fourth floor cardiac unit along with the CCU has been exceptional.

My mom was transferred to the IMCU unit at south Miami hospital to be monitored as she has a very extensive medical history and was awaiting to have open heart surgery to replace her valves. She was symptomatic having frequent episodes of shortness of breath.

Her night shift nurse in her own words had “forgotten” to set up her nasal cannula and forgot to set up the automatic hourly blood pressure check on the monitor. It was 10pm and my mom had not had her blood pressure checked since 5pm nor had her night medications been given. But that’s not the worst of it.

Since transferred to the unit and throughout the entire night because I stayed with her, she had multiple episodes of shortness of breath to where her nurse/nurses at the station RARLEY would come into the room. If they did it was because I pleaded them to. When they did, they would tell my mom she is saturating at 100 and “night night” as one of the nurses told us. Throughout the night, Her nurse did not come in to help her go to the bathroom. She urinated on herself two times. Knowing the ratio is 3 to one in that unit, I couldn’t believe the lack of care my mom was getting. It got to the point where throughout the night I was the one doing everything for her. Disconnecting and reconnecting her leads/Bp cuff, repositioning her, moving her from the bed to the chair, and more.

I was even asked if I was in the medical field. Even if I was, that is no excuse to leave a patient abandoned throughout the night and have the loved one doing everything. When I asked for the bare minimum such as repositioning her or pillows, they would say they would bring it to me and not show up. Then to top it off, the amount of loud laughter and talking coming from the nurses station around 1am-4am, was so unprofessional and disrespectful to all of the patients that were in that unit. I understand it’s another night on the job for them but have some respect in terms of the volume for the patients who are trying to rest in there rooms.

I’m so happy I stayed with my mom because I fear that if I wouldn’t have she would have not have made it through what was an extremely challenging night for her. I really hope something can be done about this unit....

The experience was horrible.Ramon Nuñez is a patient of Baptist for 18 yrs. He came to do a Cardiac MRI ordered on March 27th for 1pm. I filled out the forms I put he has a shunt in his brains of 18 yrs put in in Honduras for a massive stroke. I also mention that he has a Stent in his left Carotid put in July 2024 in Palmetto Hospital in Hialeah.They came and put on his bracelet and said he had to wait another hour because they were delayed with another patient. When they came back in over an hr. they asked me for cards with all the information of these 2 devices, I have no cards. They then asked me if I got a clearance from his Drs. then I blew up on them telling them that they were not talking to an idiot, I am a Registered Nurse #1117812 from Florida, worked in Coral Gables Hosp. over 30 yrs.I said that is your job to get clearance on a pt. you must call Dr Hamburg office for a clearance not ask me the wife.The correct way to get a clearance in case you don’t know The Dr. write the order for a Specialist and you the Nurse call the Specialist with the order and he will tell the family to take the patient in to his office for a clearance . That’s the big ego of the majority of the medical personnel they always think they are talking to fools and you can say any foolishness to justify your excuses. Then Mr Alain Rodriguez the MRI Supervisor came and talk to me very professionally telling me they can’t do the MRI because Ramón needs a machine to do free breath to hold his breath for 20 seconds and he won’t be able to follow instructions. He said the machine in MCVIC in Baptist Kendall is where this procedure must be done. I told him Ramón went there last yr May in Dr Pascual center and they couldn’t do it and sent him back home, and this year he was sent to SMH and again they can’t do it, he must go home back to Hialeah .. I called to make sure it was ordered and taken care of to avoid any issues about 2 weeks ago and they assured me it was taken care of. It happened once, and twice and Dr Hamburg needs to know what went wrong, after telling me be sure you call me STAT and let me know when it is done. This all comes down to lack of communication.with the Drs. I am curious what will happen if they ever orders the MRI a third...

Our experience at Baptist South Miami Hospital has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment my mother-in-law was admitted for her CABG surgery, every member of the team demonstrated a level of compassion, professionalism, and excellence that truly set this hospital apart. Dr. Tom Nguyen, her cardiothoracic surgeon, was not only technically brilliant but also kind and reassuring throughout the process. Christine Moore, the anesthesiologist, ensured my mother-in-law was safe and comfortable with a calming presence that eased all our nerves. Dr. Guillermo, the house physician, provided consistent, attentive care and thorough updates that kept us well informed every step of the way. The CICU nursing team deserves special recognition. Ariel, Ernesto, Marlena, and Yoel went above and beyond in delivering attentive, compassionate, and expert care around the clock. Their dedication made an overwhelming experience feel manageable, and we are deeply grateful for their presence. In the IMCU, Eddy, RN, continued that high standard of care, showing incredible patience and empathy as my mother-in-law transitioned into recovery. We are also thankful to the many others who contributed to her care: • Helen, RN CAPA, for her kindness and professionalism in the surgical prep area. • Paz, the pre-op nurse, who offered calm and support in the early moments before surgery. • Johnny Ortiz, the perfusionist, whose behind-the-scenes role was vital during the procedure. • Shonda and Vanessa, in the ICU, whose compassion and sharp clinical skills were evident in every interaction. • Allison, Cristina, and Rebecca, the physical therapists, who helped guide her first steps with warmth, patience, and encouragement. Even the front-line staff made a difference—Giovana and Mar at reception greeted us with kindness and efficiency, setting the tone for the quality of care inside. From start to finish, Baptist Hospital of Miami demonstrated what healthcare at its best should look like. The coordination, expertise, and sincere compassion shown by every team member we encountered made a lasting impact on our family. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. You not only cared for my mother-in-law—you cared for all of us. A special recognition from our...