Omaha nurse who wrote policies for Biocontainment Unit initially nervous about first Ebola patient

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.livewellnebraska.com/ebola/omaha-nurse-who-wrote-policies-for-biocontainment-unit-initially-nervous/article_80e517e2-561d-11e4-99c9-0017a43b2370.html




NEBRASKA MEDICINE
From left: Jean Bellinghausen, Cheryl Rand and Kendall Royalls all work in the Biocontainment Unit.

Posted: Saturday, October 18, 2014 8:45 am

By Cheryl Rand / LiveWellNebraska guest blogger

Eleven years ago, I was on the original steering committee for the Nebraska Biocontainment Patient Care Unit at the Nebraska Medical Center.

I wrote some of the very first policies and procedures. At the time, I thought it was the most exciting innovation going on in our hospital and I wanted to be a part of it. Also, infectious disease specialist Dr. Phil Smith was the director, and after working with him on my permanent nursing unit, I knew it would be a good experience.

When I found out that Dr. Rick Sacra was coming to our unit for treatment, my heart skipped a beat. It was an exciting, nervous feeling. Those next 20 days were unforgettable in so many ways. Dr. Sacra is one of those people that your life is better for having known him. He called me “Mother Superior” since I was the oldest (age and years here) in the unit. It was wonderful to see Dr. Sacra beat the Ebola virus. When we all said our goodbyes to him on Sept. 25, it was a bittersweet moment.

FULL story at link.

[Voice for Peace]

1. very nice to read

after reading how unprepared and chaotic it was at the
other hospital, it is great to hear from this nurse and
read about her team, their confidence and preparedness.


Some of the caregivers in Africa are amazing as well.
Don't recall where, but I saw one video about these
caregivers. It is so inspiring; yet I think most of these
folks would agree.. you don't even think twice about
helping.

[LisaL]

2. But she was in a hospital with biosafety level 4 containment unit.

Of course this hospital was better prepared.

[Voice for Peace]

3. exactly.. unfortunately the situation in Dallas became the image people have of our readiness.

every bit of good news is welcome.
Every survival, particularly in Africa, is significant.