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To her patients, Kathy is considered family for the care and love she gives. Kathy had such a large impact on those in her care, one of her patients wrote to us. This patient, at a young age, went through a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. She says Kathy was the best nurse, going above and beyond to give her superior care.
As this young patient struggled with seeing others in similar situations pass away, Kathy was there to keep her spirits up – offering encouragement and a shoulder to cry on. Once she was healthy again, Kathy helped her restart her college dreams, even helping to locate scholarships. To this day, Kathy calls and emails her patient to make sure she is doing well.
Kathy goes above and beyond, making a personal connection with her patients and following through after treatment ends. She is an inspiration for her fellow nurses, and our nominee for hero of the month!
You worked a long shift. Your feet are throbbing, your back is aching, and your eyelids are drooping closed. Sound familiar? Nurses work long and tiring shifts. Twelve hours on the clock is standard, and that’s if you manage to get off on time.
After a long shift, you probably want to jump in the car and get home to bed.
But Nurses’ long and tiring shifts put them at a heightened risk for dangerous and potential deadly drowsy driving.
You’re a Nurse. You already know how important sleep is. But when you’re so busy taking care of other people, it is easy to forget about yourself. It’s also not uncommon for the nature of a Nurse’s job to make it difficult for him or her to fall asleep at night. Did I remember to chart on that last patient? Did I give the right dosage of that last med? Did I leave the right instructions for the night shift nurse? These running worries make it hard to check out and rest up.
Next time you finish a long shift on your feet, maybe even running on less than a full night’s sleep, make sure you’re in good shape to drive. You want to return to work tomorrow as a Nurse, not tonight as a patient.
Here are some signs of drowsy driving:
Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
Daydreaming or wandering/disconnected thoughts
Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
Having trouble keeping your head up
Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
Feeling restless and irritable
Turning up the radio or rolling down the window
Impaired reaction time and judgment
Decreased performance, vigilance and motivation
What to do to keep yourself safe:
Already driving and realize you’re in no shape to be behind the wheel? Pull over and call a ride. Middle of the night? Pull your car over in a safe, well-lit location and call a cab. It will always be cheaper to pay for a cab ride than a car accident or hospital bill
Arrange for a travel companion. Find a Nurse on your shift who lives close by who can ride with you and help make sure you are in shape to be driving
Take a nap. If you are too tired to drive, find a place at work to take a quick nap before you hit the road
Consume caffeine 30 minutes or so before you plan to head out
Arrange a ride. Have a friend or family member who works or live nearby? Schedule rides for different shifts, that way you know before going into work that you have a safe and reliable way to get home
Some Quick Stats on Drowsy Driving:
In a study of hospital staff nurses, almost 600 nurses (596 out of 895) reported at least 1 episode of drowsy driving and 30 nurses reported experiencing drowsy driving following every shift worked. For nurses who worked only night shifts, the percentage rose to 79.5%
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 100,000 police reported crashes each year are the direct result of driver fatigue. (NHTSA)
Each year drowsy driving crashes result in at least 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses. (NHTSA)
Most drowsy driving crashes happen between midnight and 6:00 a.m., when the body’s need for sleep is greatest
Drivers who drive alone or have no one to help them watch for the signs of fatigue, like Nurses returning home from work, are at higher risk.
Many people do not realize how sleepy they are, but driving requires a set of skills that are significantly reduced when you are sleep deprived. Studies show that drowsiness can cause:
slower reaction time
impaired judgment and vision
decline in attention to important signs, road changes and the actions of other vehicles
decreased alertness, preventing you from seeing an obstacle and avoiding a crash
increased moodiness and aggressive behavior
problems with processing information and short-term memory
microsleeps—brief 2/3 second sleep episodes
Some quick reminders about the importance of Sleep- yes, even for nurses!
Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep for adults
When a person doesn’t get enough sleep, a “sleep debt” accumulates that must be repaid—often at unexpected times, such as behind the wheel of a car.
Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. A good night’s sleep should be a regular part of everyone’s daily schedule.
Sleep affects every part of one’s life, including health, safety, mood, learning, appearance, relationships and productivity. It is as vital to our well-being as food and water!
Learn to recognize sleep problems. Problems sleeping or daytime sleepiness can signal a sleep disorder, which usually can be treated, or another medical condition. Talk to your doctor.
Nurses, we need you. Please put the same effort in to keeping yourself safe as you do for your patients.
Friends and coworkers describe Jennifer as a knowledgeable and kind nurse, who treats all her patients like family. When she’s not saving lives as an ER Nurse, Jen is a volunteer firefighter and EMT. She spends a great deal of her time teaching firefighter training classes, even in the late hours of the night if needed. She is the first female Fire Chief in Calvert County and has run unopposed for the last 4 years. Her motto is “Pride is our Pay” – and much of her department’s pride comes from her training. Jen’s family often joins her at the fire station, where she sets an example of someone whose life revolves around helping others.
We are excited to announce our June Nominate a Hero winner is…
Beth Miles!
Beth is a Registered Nurse working in the ambulatory surgery unit of an Illinois hospital. Beth was nominated by friend and fellow nurse, Terri, for her exceptional patient care and overall admirable attitude. After Terri first nominated Beth, the letters began to flood in. When all was said and done, we received more than 14 individual letters about Beth- more than any other Nominate a Hero candidate thus far-from patients, coworkers (Nurses and Doctors), and even the Mayor. To highlight Beth and show you some of the reasons our audiences voted her our July Nominate a Hero winner, I have included some excerpts from her nomination letters here:
I have experienced firsthand… that she is an extremely caring and dedicated nurse always going above and beyond the call of duty in all aspects of her professions. Beth contributes significantly her knowledge and experience to nursing colleagues and other care givers and is well-respected by all members of the healthcare team. She is a great people person and shares laughter throughout the working day, all while maintaining a professional atmosphere and putting the patient first. -Mayor Ezard, City of Jacksonville
Beth’s official title is “Registered Nurse” but to those who know her she is much more than that. She is a friend, a confidante, a staunch supporter of patient safety and an unyielding opponent of poor or apathetic care. -Peter R., M.D.
Beth is a constant example of the positive attitude and upbeat personality we all aspire to display. -S. Ford, R.N.
I am the nurse I am today because of her mentoring and role modeling… Beth’s ability to relate and communicate with patients and families had the biggest impact on me. -Leanne W., Clinical Director and Manager
Rarely have I met someone of Beth’s caliber… Our deaf patients adore her because she interacts with them directly and treats them with respect… Beth’s sense of humor and experience put the patient at ease. Each patient feels like they are getting undivided attention. She is successful at all of her endeavors and a leader among her colleagues. -Joan O., Colleague
Here is why her coworker, Terri, chose to nominate Beth in the first place:
Congratulations, Beth!
Check back in on Beth in November, and help her become our Grand Nominate a Hero Winner!
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Don’t want to register? You can still see the voting results – just click here.
Fran C. | Pennsylvania Firefighter & Nurse
On July 4, 2012, Fran entered a smoke-filled home and heard a woman in distress on the 2nd floor. When Fran found her, she was trapped, panicked and out of breathe from breathing in too much smoke. In a split-second decision, Fran took a big breath, removed his tank and put it on the woman. Both got out safely, although Fran was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Fran later met the woman he saved, and presented her with about $500 of his own overtime pay to help her and her family. Fran became a firefighter after following in the footsteps of his retired Fire Captain father.
When Fran isn’t fighting fires, he works as a part time Nurse at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Before becoming a full time firefighter, he worked as a Paramedic.
Nancy J. | Wisconsin Educator
Nancy J. has been enthusiastically servings as the Arrowhead High School Choir Director for almost 30 years. Known for her passion and motivation, Nancy works to make each and every student a part of the team. She uses creativity in her teaching to keep her high school students engaged and enthusiastic about the fine arts. Her hard work shows. Every year, choir performances pack the house and lines to buy performance tickets stretch out the door. Nancy goes above and beyond to highlight her students’ achievements: decorating the halls for their performances, taking headshots so they feel like stars, and accompanying them to weekend contests. Due to Nancy’s unceasing hard work, her high school’s choir and theatre programs have a reputation for greatness.
Corporal Stan P | Georgia Police Officer
When Officer Phillips answered a call about an aggressive dog, he arrived at the scene to find a vicious attack in progress. The dog was biting the victim, a 5-year-old little girl named Lilly, on the face and neck. Officer Phillips rushed to her aid and was able to free her from the dog. The girl was immediately airlifted to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, including a missing ear. After saving the girl’s life, Officer Phillips continued to go visit her in the hospital, despite the hour drive each way, and even arranged for donations to pay for her reconstructive surgery. After she was released from the hospital, Officer Phillips helped work with churches and charities to raise money for her continued recovery. Stan has worked on a crime suppression units, SWAT, and road patrols (among others) and coworkers note his dedication and noteworthy impact on high crime areas- calling him a ‘go to’ guy in the field.
When shots rang out in the hospital where Robert works, his first thought was the victim’s safety. As others dropped to the floor, Robert ran to aid of the gunshot victim- a physician who worked at the hospital. After rushing to get his patient to a safe location to receive medical attention, Robert took cover and provided comfort to distraught nursing students. Robert’s coworkers say this kind of heroic action is not out of character for a man who cares deeply about his patients. Robert is an integral member of the Haiti Outreach Mission (HOM). HOM works to bring mobile clinics to distant mountain locations where Robert helps triage patients in need. Closer to home, Robert also speaks out on behalf of his patients, many of whom are victims of violence, by speaking at anti-violence rallies.
Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon. – Dag Hammarskjold
Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription. -Val Saintsbury
To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; is to be a nurse. – Rawsi Williams
Nurses are a unique kind. They have this insatiable need to care for others, which is both their biggest strength and fatal flaw. –Dr. Jean Watson
Our job as Nurses is to cushion the sorrow and celebrate the joy, every day, while we are ‘just doing our jobs.’ -Christine Belle
Healing yourself is connected with healing others. -Yoko Ono
The door that nobody else will go in at, seems always to swing open widely for me. -Clara Barton
To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care. -Mandy Hale
You don’t build a house without its foundation. You don’t build a hospital without its Nurses. –Anonymous
Nurses Know: The mind can only look. The heart can truly see. -Carol Gino
Nurses quietly go about their work in a noble profession, uncelebrated soldiers toiling through the days and nights in service to the sick, the injured and the dying. -Steve Lopez
You’re going to be there when a lot of people are born, and when a lot of people die. In most every culture, such moments are regarded as sacred and private, made special by a divine presence. No one on Earth would be welcomed, but you’re personally invited. What an honor that is. -Thom Dick
They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
America’s nurses are the beating heart of our medical system. – President Barack Obama
The best cure for the body is a quiet mind. – Napoleon
The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed. It blesses him that gives and him that takes. – Unknown
The heart that gives, gathers. -Tao Te Ching
Nine-tenths of our sickness can be prevented by right thinking plus right hygiene–nine-tenths of it! -Henry Miller
The nurse who can smile when things go wrong is probably going off duty.
We’re armored against our own troubles. We can’t afford to give in to despair. Then you see someone else struggling, and it breaks your… heart. – Sean Stewart
Diagnosis is not the end, but the beginning of practice. – Martin H. Fischer
Medicine is the only profession that labours incessantly to destroy the reason for its own existence. – James Bryce
The patient does not care about your science; what he wants to know is, can you cure him? -Martin H. Fischer
It is not a case we are treating; it is a living, palpitating, alas, too often suffering fellow creature. – John Brown
Disease is war with the laws of our being, and all war, as a great general has said, is hell. – Lewis G. Janes
It is easy to get a thousand prescriptions but hard to get one single remedy. – Chinese Proverb
Despite all our toil and progress, the art of medicine still falls somewhere between trout casting and spook writing. – Ben Hecht
Cancer is a word, not a sentence. – John Diamond
Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts. – Charles Dickens
Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter’s or sculptor’s work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of God’s spirit? It is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts. – Florence Nightingale
The trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest. – William Osler
Nursing is not for everyone. It takes a very strong, intelligent, and compassionate person to take on the ills of the world with passion and purpose and work to maintain the health and well-being of the planet. No wonder we’re exhausted at the end of the day! – Donna Wilk Cardillo
A nurse will always give us hope, an angel with a stethoscope. – Terri Guillemets
It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing. — Mother Theresa
There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow. — Orison Swett Marden
Compassion automatically invites you to relate with people because you no longer regard people as a drain on your energy. — Chogyam Trungpa
Compassion is a call, a demand of nature, to relieve the unhappy as hunger is a natural call for food. — Joseph Butler
Nursing isn’t what you do it’s who you are. -Unknown
Character is not made in a crisis it is only exhibited. – Rose Dorothy Freeman
I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. -Mother Teresa
Do you want to speak to the Doctor in charge, or the Nurse who really knows what is going on? -Unknown
Always thank your nurse. Sometimes they’re the only one between you and a hearse. – Warren Beatty
In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it. –Marianne Williamson
Healing is a matter of time but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. – Hippocrates
Our job is to love people. When it hurts. When it’s awkward. When it’s uncool and embarrassing. Our job is to stand together, to carry the burdens of one another and to meet each other in our questions. – Jamie Tworkowksi
Being a nurse means to hold all your own tears and start drawing smiles on people’s faces. – Dana Basem
Nursing is Sacrificing with and for Humanity! – Unknown
Every Nurse is Angel with a Key for Healthy Community! All in Caring for Patients is part of Nursing Soul! – Aleksandar Radenovi
Bound by paperwork, short on hands, sleep, and energy… nurses are rarely short on caring. – Sharon Hudacek
When I think about all the patients and their loved ones that I have worked with over the years, I know most of them don’t remember me nor I them. But I do know that I gave a little piece of myself to each of them and they to me and those threads make up the beautiful tapestry in my mind that is my career in nursing. – Donna Wilk Cardillo
Nurses: one of the few blessings of being ill. – Sara Moss-Wolfe
If love can’t cure it, nurses can. – Unknown
The most important practical lesson than can be given to nurses is to teach them what to observe. – Florence Nightingale
Nurses serve their patients in the most important capacities. We know that they serve as our first lines of communication when something goes wrong or when we are concerned about health. – Lois Capps
Panic plays no part in the training of a nurse. – Elizabeth Kenny
Whether a person is a male or female, a nurse is a nurse. – Gary Veale
The character of the nurse is as important as the knowledge she possesses. – Carolyn Jarvis
You treat a disease: You win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you win—no matter the outcome. — Patch Adams
In a world where there is so much to be done, I felt strongly impressed that there must be something for me to do. — Dorothea Dix (superintendent of women nurses for the Union Army)
I am of certain convinced that the greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel. – Florence Nightingale
