Tornado Mascal Prep

This past weekend 62 tornados hit North Carolina. The areas around Ft. Bragg were hit affecting soldiers and local residents. Several entrance gates are closed off due to debris blocking off that area.

I was charge nurse on the surgical ward during the day shift. We were updated throughout the day through our supervisors about what was happening around post and patient care would be affected.

The storm dropped down in the afternoon around WAMC. Rain and a white wall covered the Reilly road entrance. My staff and patients looked out the window in awe of the chaos outside.

After the storm hit we got reports of injuries and property damage all around North Carolina. We then got word from our supervisor that we were to prepare for a mascal. The local hospital declared a mascal and WAMC was to receive transfers of patients due to the natural disaster.

Once I got word I called for a team huddle with my 4 staff nurses and medic who were with me for the shift. We first determined who were the most stable patients that could be transfered. This would allow more room on the surgical floor for post-op patients if necessary. Then we divided up tasks to make sure rooms were cleaned, prepared to receive patients, and that we had a plan to receive the patients. Lastly I made sure my staff had food (replenish strength for the next possible busy hours) and made contact with their families prior us initiating our plan. We were operating on limited power, but we had internet, computer access to Essentris, and the phones were working.

We ended up not taking patients related to the tornado, but we were prepared for the worse and hoped for the best. Prayers out to the families affected by this disaster.

A thousand times no.

Yesterday a nursing student came up to me and one of my medics while we were eating lunch and asked if she could put a foley catheter in one of us.

A thousand times no.

Patient Prayer

Just another Saturday on the surgical floor. Not to many surgeries planned and a lot of patients to be discharged to home. It was going to be a predictable day.

Having no medic or aide during the evening shift, I began collecting dinner trays. I came to a room with Mr. Fall. He didn't have a tray because he was NPO for surgery in the evening. Mr. Fall was on my surgical floor with a fractured right ankle from falling off a ladder. He was in the process of setting up a projector at a local church. We then started having small talk about our faith and our background in the military. I felt lead to pray for this patient. I asked if I could pray for Mr. Fall's surgery with him. He said yes.

Then the unexpected happened. After I finished praying for him, Mr. Fall asked if he could pray for me.

This was the first time a patient has ever prayed for me.

I was pleasantly surprised, humbled, and touched by his words. He prayed for my future in the Army and that I would find a Godly wife.

Mr. Fall did well after surgery and left after 2 days. I hope that projector is working well.