During these challenging times of COVID Pandemic, nothing is certain except if you are a nurse, expect things to change continuously – that is certain. It was a typical afternoon on 4 West which means that it is extremely busy, at times chaotic, and expect staffing to be pulled to other areas and admissions are a given. The best use of my time was to assist with admits on the floor. What was reality was the admissions were coming so fast and at the same time, often I would have to put someone on hold that was calling to give report, while I was taking report.
We started off the late afternoon receiving one admission after another, while discharging patients at the same time. The evening shift came, and the admissions continued. This was my first tour with Alta Hayes, RN. There were three RN's, an LPN, two aides, and me. At this point each nurse had 5-7 patients, the aides had 9-10 patients between them, as stated earlier the admissions were coming one right after the other and some arriving at the same time. To say it was chaotic is an understatement. I was leaving at 2200 and one of the other nurses that was detailed from Primary Care was leaving at 0300. To say that Alta had her hands full, not only as charge nurse, but a nurse with her own load of patients, is an understatement and doesn't adequately paint the picture of the unit. Hopefully with the previous description the scene has been painted somewhat.
What I witnessed with Alta was a true grace under extreme pressure. Alta was calm, reassuring to the nurses, as charge with her own set of patients, she remained extremely levelheaded. Five admissions had been completed by 2000 and three more were on their way or needing to be completed. The Integrity she showed to her patients was a calm confidence that they were going to receive the best of care from her, even if reality was short staffing, constant ringing of the phones, call lights, and constant communication with the NOD. Alta has a Commitment to serve the VA to the best of her ability and no matter what the circumstances are behind her, the front to her patients, “You are the only thing that matters and I'm here to take care of you.”
Alta's Advocacy is not only for the veterans she serves but also for the staff she oversees. She took the time to listen to concerns and saw to the needs of staffing, even though she was not able to change the staffing numbers, you knew she was concerned and with licensed personnel she understands that licenses are at stake. Respect was earned when I experienced Alta's ability to remain in a calm reassuring manner, knowing that she understood and was able to lead with the presence of a leader that maintained professionalism, a level approach that was provided with strength to everyone around her. Alta not only earned respect she gave respect to the co-workers, patients, and nurse on duty.
Excellence with the quality of care she was providing and knowing that staffing was short was able to manage the influx of eight admissions, caring for patients, staffing and all the other duties that come with charge nurse. Rapport, supervision, effective communication, and a calmness Alta provided, but what stands out most is her treatment of others. Often when it is hectic and chaotic individuals tend to lash out at others or take their unhappiness out on others. Often times it is said of nurses they "eat their young." However, it is unfortunate when you see nurses not only eat their young, but they eat the old too, and whoever else is standing there. Alta treated others with dignity and respect, the same treatment was given for the patients. When you are extremely busy, but you take time to ask "are you okay, do you need anything" is sometimes all another person needs to hear to be able to grab another gear and go. That is what a great leader does, they check on others especially in times with extreme workloads, assist with the workloads, they are present and have a presence. They are kind; Alta you are a kind person, with an ability to lead that is effective. Thank you for the experience and kindness you shown, it is noticed, and it does matter – you matter!