Surviving Hurricane Irma in SW Florida

What I am thankful for...

<in no particular order>

The leadership team at the hospital where I work. Long stressful hours, keeping their cool and keeping everyone safe in our care. Praying when things got hairy as a group.  

My team. Long stressful hours, smiling, good snacks, their professionalism and expertise in taking care of patients and families, including some very complex cases during the hurricane. Right down to seeing people who do not usually do housekeeping services routinely, doing them and whatever else needed to be done.  

The physicians and midwives who stayed with us in the storm. Thank you. Not one complaint.

The support staff... Security, Plant Ops/Construction, Food Services, Housekeeping, Information Systems, Pharmacy, Lab, X-Ray, Care Management, Social Work...Some of these people took the brunt of the abuse from people who should have been thankful that they were there during the storm. I thank you. You were amazing.

The people who worked in both the Pet Shelter and the Child Care Center. Thank you Thank you. It made such a difference to our team to have you there and care for their littles and fur babies. 

Hugs. No matter who you are, if you gave me a hug, I thank you. Hugs are good.

Families of my team who were there sheltered on my unit. Thank you. Thank you for being great during the storm. Helping and volunteering to do what ever needed to be done. The kids were amazing! And who can't smile with cute little kids around? I also learned the second verse of the Star Spangled Banner from a 95 year old dad! We had two elders who were with us too and so special to us.

The pregnant ladies and their support people in the Stork's Nest. They were wonderful and appreciative. Even though several of them went into labor and we had to deliver them! 

The patients and their support people on our unit. Why? because they were amazing too. Even when we had to move them into the hallways to be safe, not one complaint.

The people in the Command Center. They were great at coordinating the show and getting us information when we needed it.

Us, Monday Morning After the Storm

Tonight I can rest because I know my Team B will be there picking up after the storm and continuing to keep people and families safe under their loving care.

Looking out the window on the 5th Floor at our Cape Coral
Hospital, We are the Heart of the Community!

I thank you!