While I was completing my bachelor’s I worked in the inpatient department of my community hospital. It is mainly a long term care residence so that many of the patients I cared for were there for the total duration of my studies. Once I graduated I left inpatient to work in the home care department. In Kahnawake, the homecare nurses are employees of the hospital but have a satellite office located in another residence that is intended for more independent elders.
One day there was a bomb threat at the hospital. I can only imagine what stress was being felt in the hospital that day. The decision was made to evacuate all the patients to the residence where the homecare nurses work out of. When I heard what was happening I immediately called and cancelled all my home patients for that day and prepared for the incoming of the 42 patients from the hospital. Like I mentioned, this was a high stress day for most involved, however, what I remember most is the joy and excitement of seeing the residents I had cared for during my studies and who I had not seen since starting my new position. Also what could have been a traumatic even for the residents ended up being an enjoyable visit. I don’t remember the staff who were there that day, but I know there were many because we all still talk about it from time to time. However, I can still see the faces of some of the residents as I greeted them from the buses and ambulances that brought them over. I stayed at work that day until the resident’s were cleared to go back to the hospital and we were able to say goodbye.
It was by the end of this crazy, hectic time that I realized that the inpatient is where my heart was. Within a year I took a position back in the inpatient department and have been there ever since. Although my role has changed throughout the years, I still enjoy any moments I get to share with the residents of our hospital and know that this is where I am meant to be.
Robin Guyer