Five Days of Stories

We were able to overcome our fears and provide the best care to our patients.

When the pandemic hit us in New York City, our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at Mount Sinai Queens, which consisted of 14 beds, was converted into a COVID-19 ICU unit within a week. Our roles transitioned overnight, and we had to step up to care for critically ill COVID-19 patients. One nurse cared for 2-3 patients who were on ventilator support and had 4-7 critical care drugs infusing, which required close monitoring.

Looking back over the last few months seems almost surreal. Our shifts changed, we had to adjust quickly to a high stress environment, patients dying, wearing full PPE and working with new team members we had never met before. Although, we had lost many patients to this virus we did have some whose conditions improved and they were eventually discharged from the inpatient units. One of the difficult and saddest moments for us was not being able to save everyone and losing our patients without their family members at the bedside. Despite all the anxiety and fear of the unknown our PACU team worked extremely hard caring for COVID-19 patients. We stood firm, worked together, and supported each other during these tough times. No matter how difficult the times were, we were able to overcome our fears and provide the best care to our patients. Nurses are indeed the heart of health care.

Tenzin Kunsang, RN
Long Island City, NY

Read more stories of resilience and courage…

From Desiree Polak, RN

HEDIS QUALITY NURSE

I want to give the biggest applause to my best friend Sara. While battling cancer, she studied to become an NP, cared for her children, held down her home as the sole supporter, and is a best friend, mentor, and supporter of her friends and family. Sara, you are amazing!!

From Taylor Rivera, RN

LONG-TERM CARE

I want to give the biggest applause to my best friend Sara. While battling cancer, she studied to become an NP, cared for her children, held down her home as the sole supporter, and is a best friend, mentor, and supporter of her friends and family. Sara, you are amazing!!

From Margaret Bowen, MSN, CHPN

HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE

I would like to recognize Dr. Carol Moriarity, Educator. Carol puts her whole being into sharing her expertise and producing the BEST Nurses into the profession. Students soon realize how lucky they are to have learned from her! They share that their success would be to make her proud!

From Gustavo Ortiz

NURSING STUDENT

I want to send a big shout out to my supervisor Michelle Sommers at the VA in Union Grove for being the most caring, understanding, and hardworking nurse I know. She always is there to give a helping hand when needed and an open door when you need someone to talk to. Thanks!!

From Stephanie Sifford, RN

ICU/CCU

To all my nursing and healthcare family, I want you all to know that somewhere along the way you inspired me, encouraged me, carried me, and lifted me. Without the support of a strong team, good shifts, and great outcomes would be few and far between.

From Kirsty Brock, RN, CHPN

HOSPICE

I’m a team leader and just wanted to give a shout out to my entire team of nurses. They work tirelessly to care selflessly for our patients. offering comfort, support, and assistance 24/7. Even in the toughest and most heart-wrenching circumstances, they provide superior care.

TODAY IS THE DAY FOR YOU TO TELL YOUR STORY!

The Written Word
There is no better way to ensure that your story will be remembered than by writing it down. Whether its about what led you to nursing, a patient or event that defined the type of nurse you are or what you aspire to do on your professional journey, your story means as much to you as to those who read it.
Tell your story …