April 23, 2014

Nurse Is Proud of Quick Thinking, Bravery Of Staff, Physicians, Patients After Explosion

To the Editor:

When I arrived home Friday night [April 11], I couldn’t help but think about the preceding 24 hours and the many powerful emotions I was feeling. The first was sadness for our staff member who was injured in the explosion Thursday night, her family, and our staff. My second emotion was pride and appreciation for all the amazing people I work with. We were faced with a crisis situation, but because of the many competent, brave staff and physicians, this disaster was so much less than it could have been. I was amazed by the quick thinking and bravery exhibited by all. Everyone did what they needed to do, including our patients and their families.

It is truly difficult to put everything in perspective at the present time, but we all continue to learn from these situations. I was struck by how well we do the things we do and I want to acknowledge and thank all the staff on telemetry and throughout the hospital that were here Thursday night, as well as the staff continuing to help and support our organization. I feel such a sense of pride and appreciation and want to recognize all who are part of this amazing organization.

I went home feeling, “I am in the right place with the right people!”

Kathleen Ryan, BSN, RN, BC

Director of Nursing and Peri-op Services