Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC

Here we are again, with another record-breaking snowstorm … when the word SNOW is a four-letter word and just hearing it brings many of us to our knees (often to throw up in a panic in the bathroom!)

We ask ourselves questions about our preparedness. Are our back-up generators working (or do we even have one?), do we have enough emergency food on hand, what about laundry — will we have enough towels, sheets, washcloths etc.? 

We’ve done emergency drills but what about the people? How do we get them here? How do we get them to stay? What about our own families at home? And will there be any milk, bread or toilet paper left at the store when we finally get out? (OK, I still never get the rush on toilet paper but whatever!)

Yet time after time, storm after storm, our amazing teams show up and give everything they’ve got, despite worrying about their own people back home, despite sheer exhaustion, despite knowing some hardy family member in a 4-wheel drive is going to show up and start yelling that Momma had to wait for her coffee and they’re going to call the STATE, instead of opening their eyes and maybe asking how they can help.

Despite all of this, these men and women from all walks of life somehow show up. Some walking through thigh-high snowdrifts, some on buses if they are still running, and some forming car pools with 4-wheel drive vehicles.

And they stay and work around the clock and give our nation’s most frail the love and care they need.

These are America’s finest people! Your devoted directors of nursing, nursing staff, frontline staff, environmental service staff, kitchen staff, etc., all who team up at the worst of times while others stay home drinking hot coco and riding out the storm.

And while some snarky surveyor might not remember what your team did when they next walk in the door, make sure you don’t forget. Hold your heads high and know the heroes that you are. Bless you all.

Keeping it real,

Nurse Jackie

The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, a 2012 APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. She has not starred in her own national television series — yet. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.