June 2020
7 West Tower Ricu Operations
Coordinators And Charge Nurses
SICU, CMICU, NSCC, and EP
Ochsner Medical Center - Main Campus New Orleans
New Orleans
,
LA
United States
Michael Strickland (SICU), Lauren Rage (CMICU), Travis Rodgers (NSCC), Emily Newman (SICU), Sanders Coley (SICU), Chad Anderson (CMICU), Amy Ott (SICU), Katie Gage (SICU), Pamela Gallaspy (NSCC), Lindsey Truax (EP)
I would like to recognize a team of extraordinary nurses, who in my eyes are real superHEROES. RICU OC/CNs: Michael Strickland (SICU), Lauren Rage (CMICU), Travis Rodgers (NSCC), Emily Newman (SICU), Sanders Coley (SICU), Chad Anderson (CMICU), Amy Ott (SICU), Katie Gage (SICU), Pamela Gallaspy (NSCC), Lindsey Truax (EP).
Many people may think it is cliché to call nurses superheroes. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, some may say its "overdone". Yet, I can testify since I've seen their powers with my own eyes. During COVID-19 people were separated more than ever. This group of nurses banded together to not only provide excellent care for our patients but were there to support our staff as well.
Just like their team members, these nurses were moved from their typical roles - a "call of duty". The 7WT RICU faced many challenges. Helping to support a makeshift ICU unit with a blend of staff at times was chaotic. Everyone was trying to find their feet. I've learned stress can bring the best or worst out in people. These nurses rose to the challenge.
Amy Ott kept the wind in our sails! I can't say she ever took a day off and if she did, she was still supporting us from the sidelines. I still have yet to find the correct words to describe her calming demeanor. I've seen her get pulled left, right, up, and down with questions from leaders and team members. She has always been able to be even keel and made us feel everything is going to be alright. During a pandemic, that feeling is priceless!
Michael Strickland and Sanders Coley are the light in the night, literally. There was an unfortunate incident during a night shift where the entire power system failed. I woke the next morning and saw the reports. My heart sunk - I feared the worst happened. Upon my arrival that morning, I spoke with several staff members who were still shaken up. Everyone mentioned how Michael and Sanders helped everyone get through it - patients and staff. They were the LIGHT in the dark. Sanders's work ethic and advocacy for his patients is truly inspiring. He treats every patient like they are family. Michael is compassionate and always remains composed and professional- even during a blackout. They really shined during this time and I can't say I would have faired as strongly as these two.
Travis and Chad, our COVID Cowboys, I've never seen staff enjoy the bunny suits as much as them. This speaks to their character. They helped us make the best of the situation. Boosting morale is something that many take for granted. These two understand the importance of positive morale during this time. Many times, we were running on fumes.
Katie and Emily - In the RICU, our work environment may have not been typical of an ICU. Supplies and equipment may have not been in desired locations or always available at our fingertips. Simple tasks such as making assignments or finding a phone number took more time than usual. Katie and Emily did not let these minor road bumps stop them providing staff the resources they needed. They both ensured COVID-19 was not going to change our Ochsner core values of Patients First and Excellence.
Lauren reminded us to breathe.. and laugh. Again, something that is often taken for granted (more prevalent now than ever). As many know, this difficult time is hard to process. Even on your days off, you feel like you are still running. Lauren's cheerful personality kept us looking forward. She helped us find the bright side even when we felt at our lowest.
Pamela "Claire"- Some may not agree this is a compliment, but Claire was "born to be a nurse during a pandemic". Her resiliency is remarkable. She was resourceful and collaborated with other nurses and teams to ensure we were able to provide care for our patients. Even though you couldn't see her smile through her mask - it was contagious.
Lindsey Truax- Lindsey worked in the 7WT RICU from day one. One that first day she hit the ground running. She never let the fear of the unknown keep her from caring for our patients. She was there to support both patients and staff. She was a role model for others in her flexibility and teamwork. Lindsey was always rounding on her coworkers to see if there was anything they needed. She was quick to identify the unit's needs and was resourceful in making things happen. Her dedication and collaboration went above and beyond. She flourished during this time and the RICU team was fortunate to have her.
I fear that when "the dust settles" and things return to "normal" these nurses will forget the impact they have made on hundreds of patients' lives and staff too! They truly cared for the caregivers. I was proud I was able to work alongside them and they will always be superheroes in my book.
Many people may think it is cliché to call nurses superheroes. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, some may say its "overdone". Yet, I can testify since I've seen their powers with my own eyes. During COVID-19 people were separated more than ever. This group of nurses banded together to not only provide excellent care for our patients but were there to support our staff as well.
Just like their team members, these nurses were moved from their typical roles - a "call of duty". The 7WT RICU faced many challenges. Helping to support a makeshift ICU unit with a blend of staff at times was chaotic. Everyone was trying to find their feet. I've learned stress can bring the best or worst out in people. These nurses rose to the challenge.
Amy Ott kept the wind in our sails! I can't say she ever took a day off and if she did, she was still supporting us from the sidelines. I still have yet to find the correct words to describe her calming demeanor. I've seen her get pulled left, right, up, and down with questions from leaders and team members. She has always been able to be even keel and made us feel everything is going to be alright. During a pandemic, that feeling is priceless!
Michael Strickland and Sanders Coley are the light in the night, literally. There was an unfortunate incident during a night shift where the entire power system failed. I woke the next morning and saw the reports. My heart sunk - I feared the worst happened. Upon my arrival that morning, I spoke with several staff members who were still shaken up. Everyone mentioned how Michael and Sanders helped everyone get through it - patients and staff. They were the LIGHT in the dark. Sanders's work ethic and advocacy for his patients is truly inspiring. He treats every patient like they are family. Michael is compassionate and always remains composed and professional- even during a blackout. They really shined during this time and I can't say I would have faired as strongly as these two.
Travis and Chad, our COVID Cowboys, I've never seen staff enjoy the bunny suits as much as them. This speaks to their character. They helped us make the best of the situation. Boosting morale is something that many take for granted. These two understand the importance of positive morale during this time. Many times, we were running on fumes.
Katie and Emily - In the RICU, our work environment may have not been typical of an ICU. Supplies and equipment may have not been in desired locations or always available at our fingertips. Simple tasks such as making assignments or finding a phone number took more time than usual. Katie and Emily did not let these minor road bumps stop them providing staff the resources they needed. They both ensured COVID-19 was not going to change our Ochsner core values of Patients First and Excellence.
Lauren reminded us to breathe.. and laugh. Again, something that is often taken for granted (more prevalent now than ever). As many know, this difficult time is hard to process. Even on your days off, you feel like you are still running. Lauren's cheerful personality kept us looking forward. She helped us find the bright side even when we felt at our lowest.
Pamela "Claire"- Some may not agree this is a compliment, but Claire was "born to be a nurse during a pandemic". Her resiliency is remarkable. She was resourceful and collaborated with other nurses and teams to ensure we were able to provide care for our patients. Even though you couldn't see her smile through her mask - it was contagious.
Lindsey Truax- Lindsey worked in the 7WT RICU from day one. One that first day she hit the ground running. She never let the fear of the unknown keep her from caring for our patients. She was there to support both patients and staff. She was a role model for others in her flexibility and teamwork. Lindsey was always rounding on her coworkers to see if there was anything they needed. She was quick to identify the unit's needs and was resourceful in making things happen. Her dedication and collaboration went above and beyond. She flourished during this time and the RICU team was fortunate to have her.
I fear that when "the dust settles" and things return to "normal" these nurses will forget the impact they have made on hundreds of patients' lives and staff too! They truly cared for the caregivers. I was proud I was able to work alongside them and they will always be superheroes in my book.