Rescue Relief
My last post mentioned that I have lived at work the last few weeks - and will the next few weeks. It's a combination of "short staff" (which every nurse is aware of - this in part to vacations) and the hospital getting ready for it's "Magnet Visit" next week in which I still have finish the scrapbook for (stress!!!).
Since Last Friday night we have been on edge because there was an 'apparent' plane arriving with 'refugees' from Katrina. The rumor went from one plane to several planes. We would get calls almost each shift. So - people were asked to either cover the ED or be prepared to go on a team to triage. A very big part of me wished I was able to actually go to LA or Ms. to help out. I have been rather ambivalent about the entire disaster. I love LA and have been to New Orleans SEVERAL times when I lived in FL. I am well aware of what the living conditions were like prior to Katrina and can only imagine the destruction left behind. I would like to believe the news media is not sensationalizing - But???
I love what Joy and Terihad to say. They articulated far better than I could have in my sleep deprived state.
So - last night - I came up close and personal with some of the people from Katrina. They called a team out at 2330. I volunteered since I was already at work and the only thing I would be sacrificing today was a pre-registered conference on "Child-Maltreatment." (However - it was an awesome conference). Another Nurse, our trauma coordinator, ED director and another Attending were escorted to this Church on the Southside of Chicago - House of Hope.
A plane load of Katrina Refugees arrived at Ohare and were bused to the church for registration with Public Aide, refreshments, a chance to grab some clean clothes, a table full of toiletries to pick from, baby items, and medical care if needed. After Registration and welcoming to Chicago/IL - they were to be bused to two other shelters in the city with 'counselors' to help them thru the relocation process. There were several families there. This was very heart warming - full families (mothers/fathers and children). There were several adults triaged who probably haven't even had minimal healthcare in ages. Some were transported to hospitals for further eval. The people - all in all - were extremely polite, grateful and receptive. I can only imagine what these people have gone through. Given the media's portrayal I was a little concerned at what these refugee's would be like.
All in all - this said - My ambivalence is less apparent. I still have mixed feelings - but I am glad I got this opportunity - and do wish that there was some way I could go down south and help out.
At the same time - (Sorry Em) - I am so thankful I am a peds nurse.
Okay - I have either got to get some more sleep - OR work on the scrapbook for the Magnet Visit.....
Since Last Friday night we have been on edge because there was an 'apparent' plane arriving with 'refugees' from Katrina. The rumor went from one plane to several planes. We would get calls almost each shift. So - people were asked to either cover the ED or be prepared to go on a team to triage. A very big part of me wished I was able to actually go to LA or Ms. to help out. I have been rather ambivalent about the entire disaster. I love LA and have been to New Orleans SEVERAL times when I lived in FL. I am well aware of what the living conditions were like prior to Katrina and can only imagine the destruction left behind. I would like to believe the news media is not sensationalizing - But???
I love what Joy and Terihad to say. They articulated far better than I could have in my sleep deprived state.
So - last night - I came up close and personal with some of the people from Katrina. They called a team out at 2330. I volunteered since I was already at work and the only thing I would be sacrificing today was a pre-registered conference on "Child-Maltreatment." (However - it was an awesome conference). Another Nurse, our trauma coordinator, ED director and another Attending were escorted to this Church on the Southside of Chicago - House of Hope.
A plane load of Katrina Refugees arrived at Ohare and were bused to the church for registration with Public Aide, refreshments, a chance to grab some clean clothes, a table full of toiletries to pick from, baby items, and medical care if needed. After Registration and welcoming to Chicago/IL - they were to be bused to two other shelters in the city with 'counselors' to help them thru the relocation process. There were several families there. This was very heart warming - full families (mothers/fathers and children). There were several adults triaged who probably haven't even had minimal healthcare in ages. Some were transported to hospitals for further eval. The people - all in all - were extremely polite, grateful and receptive. I can only imagine what these people have gone through. Given the media's portrayal I was a little concerned at what these refugee's would be like.
All in all - this said - My ambivalence is less apparent. I still have mixed feelings - but I am glad I got this opportunity - and do wish that there was some way I could go down south and help out.
At the same time - (Sorry Em) - I am so thankful I am a peds nurse.
Okay - I have either got to get some more sleep - OR work on the scrapbook for the Magnet Visit.....
posted by B at 08:20
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