Charlie Alamodin
July 2020
Charlie
Alamodin
,
BSN, RN
Geriatric Care Unit
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
North Chicago
,
IL
United States
Charlie is definitely a bright light during these dark times. He is a true example of what a nurse is, being fearless and ready to help whenever and wherever he is needed.
We see a lot of cheering for healthcare workers during this hard time, COVID-19 pandemic. But sometimes we fail to see those close to us. We all know that we had a hard hit of COVID in 134-3B. Just in a span of 3 days, most of the staff in 134-3B were out sick as well as the residents. Staff from Med-Surg and 133-2B floated to 134-3B. Thankfully, Charlie was not infected. He was one of the last 2 regular RNs in the day shift who did not get sick. Even though there was a crisis going on in 134-3B, due to not having enough staff, Charlie courageously came to work, day in and day out without hesitation. He gave orientation to the nursing staff from other VA facilities in the VISN who came to FHCC-CLC to help. There was a day when we saw him tirelessly and patiently orienting at least 4 staff at a time in the nurse’s station. We did not hear him complain. Staff from the VISN said that they’re happy to be able to help. They stated that the staffs in 134-3B are very friendly and nice. Their experience of working in a new environment was smooth due to staff just like Charlie who ensured that they were given proper orientation and guidance. Charlie is definitely a bright light during these dark times. He is a true example of what a nurse is, being fearless and ready to help whenever and wherever he is needed. Since most of the staff were also affected by the Covid-19 and were not able to come to take care of our sick residents, our residents looked forward to seeing Charlie as a constant. The volunteer nurses from the VISN were new to the residents. The volunteer staff also needed someone to look up to, for guidance to care for our residents. Charlie was the fearless leader and yet a calming reassurance to all. His happy disposition and excellent nursing care give everyone hope in what would have been a grim environment and situation.