LTjg Deegan, USNS Comfort Nurse:
As a nurse here on the USNS Comfort, I work in the 2 Aft Ward. It is a post-surgical unit comprised of patients from all ages. The men, women, and children return from surgery to the ward to begin the recovery process. The ward is usually busy with patients coming and going. Patients on average stay with us for a night before it is time for them to leave. It is important for us to ensure that the patients and their escorts have everything they need to go home. Often we see ophthalmology, gynecological, orthopedic, and oral-maxillofacial cases. The ward is an open-bay which forces all patients, regardless of gender, age, or type of surgery, to be in one room. This was a tough transition as I was accustomed to private rooms for each patient back at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where I am currently stationed.
The nurses on 2 Aft work closely with the corpsmen to accomplish the daily tasks needed to maintain a safe and serene place for the patients to recuperate. The nurses are a mix of United States military-active duty and reserves, foreign military and civilian volunteers. All organizations come together to provide competent and compassionate care. The reserve military members and civilian volunteers typically stay for a couple countries before departing.
So far, my favorite part of the mission has been experiencing the many different personalities and cultures of each country we visit. We have been to five countries to date. Each has shown their own unique qualities. In Haiti, the patients were curious and inquisitive. The Dominicans enjoyed playing cards and socializing. Antigua had the island feel. Panamanians were more reserved and the Colombians kept us busy!
It has been great to get to know all of the patients and their stories, especially the ones who stay longer. I am unable to speak Spanish or Haitian Creole. This has made communication at times difficult, but a smile and laugh mean the same in every language.
As a nurse here on the USNS Comfort, I work in the 2 Aft Ward. It is a post-surgical unit comprised of patients from all ages. The men, women, and children return from surgery to the ward to begin the recovery process. The ward is usually busy with patients coming and going. Patients on average stay with us for a night before it is time for them to leave. It is important for us to ensure that the patients and their escorts have everything they need to go home. Often we see ophthalmology, gynecological, orthopedic, and oral-maxillofacial cases. The ward is an open-bay which forces all patients, regardless of gender, age, or type of surgery, to be in one room. This was a tough transition as I was accustomed to private rooms for each patient back at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where I am currently stationed.
The nurses on 2 Aft work closely with the corpsmen to accomplish the daily tasks needed to maintain a safe and serene place for the patients to recuperate. The nurses are a mix of United States military-active duty and reserves, foreign military and civilian volunteers. All organizations come together to provide competent and compassionate care. The reserve military members and civilian volunteers typically stay for a couple countries before departing.
So far, my favorite part of the mission has been experiencing the many different personalities and cultures of each country we visit. We have been to five countries to date. Each has shown their own unique qualities. In Haiti, the patients were curious and inquisitive. The Dominicans enjoyed playing cards and socializing. Antigua had the island feel. Panamanians were more reserved and the Colombians kept us busy!
It has been great to get to know all of the patients and their stories, especially the ones who stay longer. I am unable to speak Spanish or Haitian Creole. This has made communication at times difficult, but a smile and laugh mean the same in every language.
Hey Erin -
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you. Thanks for sharing with us. We are so proud of you!
Miss you ... Love you ... Jacqui, Virgil & Isaac
E,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you have many, many stories to share with friends and family. A lifetime of memories, so many wonderful people doing great work. We miss you.
Dad & Mom (and Booger).
E,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! We are very proud of you!
Sounds like you & the rest of the Comfort team are doing a wonderful job and are quite a blessing for all those you are able to help.
Love you & Miss you! See you soon!
Jenny & Matt