Working in Haiti, it was incredible to see the suspension of individual egos and agendas, the tossing aside of hierarchy and rank, the phenomenal togetherness of physicians and nurses all in service of a single goal: saving as many lives as possible. There was a palpable air of cooperation and a spirit of teamwork the likes of which I have never before experienced. Watching surgeons empty bedpans at 3 a.m. without complaint, and seeing physicians volunteer to collect vital signs and pass out medications overnight to support a ward that was severely understaffed by nurses are images I will never forget!
Anna Elizabeth Morrison, BA, BSN, RN
Holy Cross Hospital
Fort Lauderdale, FL
The clinic courtyard was filled with Haitian children screaming, "Fe mal!" – Creole for "I hurt!" Flies infested their wounds. We made the best of what we had. We gave Tylenol to ease the pain of fractures and cleansed cement-embedded gashes with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment.
I believe we made an impact in Haiti, but I hope bringing the story home will have an even greater impact. It's a story of devastation, poverty, and unbelievable human trials. But it's also a story of hope and survival against all odds. My vision is to be a voice for the unheard and forgotten, and a lifelong advocate for the Haitian people.
Alana Sutter, RN, BSN
William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and Clinics
Madison, WI
I arrived in Haiti two weeks after the quake. The country was devastated; the air permeated with the stench of injury and death. Working in Civil War-like conditions only added to the challenge of serving so many needing so much.
Treating patients—many of whom, in my world of medicine, would likely be dead—showed the resilience of the Haitian spirit. Returning from this surreal environment has forever changed my perspective of my value as a nurse.
The professionals with whom I interacted, and the measurable difference we made in so many lives, combined to make this career experience the greatest of my 35-year journey in nursing.
Mary Jane McKee, RN, BSN, CCRN
WellSpan Health System
York, PA
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