Nurses Remember 9/11/01

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

nurses remember 9/11: learning from the past ...so we can prepare for the future

i've assembled links to stories about nurses experiences/reflections on 9/11 that i've come across in my internet readings/wanderings. please feel free to contribute any links/stories.

don't forget the box of tissues.

karen

september 2002 ajn remembers 9/11

9/03/02

http://www.ana.org/news/ananews.htm#septajn

a year after the terrorist attacks of september 11, the september 2002 american journal of nursing includes several articles remembering that day and exploring its aftermath. the journal honors the 11 nurses who were killed that day, including kathy mazza, commanding officer of the port authority police training academy, who saved an unknown number of people trapped in the north tower of the world trade center by shooting out lobby windows to create an escape route. in another article, nurses share their reflections on life since 9/11, including what has changed and what still needs to change in the public health system. also, a nurse involved in administering the smallpox vaccine to those researching the disease writes about the potential complications of the vaccine.

ajn is published by lippencott---current episode not yet available on line. the stories are very moving...still not finished reading them all. check out magazine in libraries of your facility...please share with your colleagues.

check later: http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/journalissue.asp?journal_id=54030&issue_id=275898

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nursing spectrum

one year after the attacks of 9/11, americans are dealing with a tangled web of emotions. nurses are no different, other than the fact that many have experienced the physical and emotional wounds of that day firsthand. nursing spectrum has prepared a special report that looks at how pride, duty, and emotion are driving rns to make a difference in the post-9/11 world. it includes one nurse's personal experience in the twin towers, one nurse's efforts to help those affected by the attack on the pentagon, and the possible psychological effects of the anniversary of the attacks.

articles include:

crossing paths

every day is a potential 9/11

lessons learned from 9/11

life after 9/11

one nurse's courage: beating the odds

one year later: how we are dealing with tragedy

our 9/11 patient-a man on a mission

serving those who serve

the army's new "mash" in afghanistan

uncle sam wants you!

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advance for nurses

featured article:

learning from the past

hospitals improve disaster readiness after sept. 11

see additional articles:

never forget

changing face of nursing

altered aftermath

environmental concerns

training for disaster

prepare to care

that fateful day

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new york state nurses association

nysna supports nurses in a post-9/11 world

http://www.nysna.org/publications/report/2002/july/post911.htm

http://www.nysna.org/news/announce/announcements.htm

journal focuses on nurses' role in 9/11

http://www.nysna.org/news/press/pr2002/pr081402.htm

http://www.nysna.org/images/pdfs/journal/spg_smr02.pdf

link found @nysna:

digital archive preserves the histories of september 11, 2001

the september 11 digital archive utilizes electronic media to collect, preserve, and present the history of the september 11, 2001 attacks and the public responses to them. the archive is working with the smithsonian institution's national museum of american history, behring center; museum of the city of new york; the new york historical society; city lore; and other local and national institutions.

post 9/11 coping and healing resources

http://www.nysna.org/programs/nps/9_11update.htm

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from allnurses.com:

latest from nyc

a collection of personal experiences, reports, emails, posts, reflections, feedbacks

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9939

this thread was started by eventsync, with heartfelt reflections added by our allnurses members. felt it appropriate to bring to the forefront. karen

[Mkue]

Thank you NRSKarenRN:)

[-jt]

A Thank You Again, 9/11 Volunteers, from NYSNA

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Dear Nursing Colleagues,

Yesterday was the sad anniversary of tragic events for our country. New York State was particularly affected by the destruction of the World Trade Center. Last year, NYSNA truly appreciated the overwhelming support that we received from our nursing colleagues across the nation. We will be forever grateful.

The following is a poem written by Jackie Cataldo, BSN, RN, a New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) staff member and American Red Cross volunteer at Ground Zero:

COLORS

The children draw pictures.

Airplanes crashing into tall buildings.

Firefighters, police officers and construction workers.

Swirling hoses and axes suspended in midair.

Nurses' caps and helmets perched on small tilted heads with oversized bodies.

A crucifix, stethoscope and stars and stripes tell the story.

Testimonies set on paper with care and determination.

H-E-R-O-E-S,

The letters are scrawled at the top of the page.

Bright crayon colors depict the horrors captured by TV cameras.

Repeated again and again.

Images expressed through baby eyes.

Prayers, thanks, sadness and hope mixed with sequins and glue.

Again, NYSNA and the nurses in New York State are truly thankful for the support of our nursing colleagues.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Ballard, MA, RN

Director, Practice & Governmental Affairs Program

http://www.NYSNA.org

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>>>

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

From PSNA:

http://www.psna.org/HotIssues/PSNA9_11.htm

One year ago today, the staff of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) reported for work on a beautiful September morning. That morning and for the rest of that day the world would be changed forever, we would all be changed forever. While dealing with our own shock and disbelief, PSNA was asked to support the volunteer efforts by becoming the call center for nurses who were willing, able and ready to assist in any way needed. Hundreds of nurses called and emailed PSNA headquarters from across the state and beyond willing to lend a hand and do whatever was needed.

PSNA realized many things that September 11, one being the importance of preparedness and in the months following this tragic day staff and members of the association have worked and continue to work to bring about changes to better assist in future times of need.

The staff of PSNA is working to develop a comprehensive crisis communications plan to serve the association in the event of an emergency situation both internally and externally.

PSNA has been involved with the state emergency preparedness taskforce which is working to address several statewide issues which surfaced following the events of 9/11. PSNA member Patrick Kenny has attended these meetings on behalf of PSNA.

PSNA has assessed their communications technologies and requested a grant from the state to beef up its phone system in an effort to better serve the nursing community in any future events where nurse volunteers are needed.

As always, PSNA is committed to disseminating important information to the nursing community in Pennsylvania.

Much has also been accomplished nationally in the past year.

The American Nurses Association added a special section to their NursingWorld web site committed to providing RNs with valuable information on how they can better care for their patients, protect themselves and prepare their hospitals and communities to respond to acts of bioterrorism.

ANA is also working with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in the establishment of the National Nurses Response Team (NNRT). September 11, 2001, and the Anthrax incidents that followed, were a wake up call with regard to the overall preparedness of the U.S. health system to adequately respond to a terrorist attack. ANA knows that U.S. registered nurses stand ready to respond. The NNRT now creates an excellent opportunity for registered nurses who on September 11 were asking themselves, "What can I do to help my country?"

PSNA and ANA will continue to work with national, state and local agencies to understand what can be done to better serve our communities in an emergency situation and to put such measures in place. The hope is that these measures will never have to be taken and that events such as September 11 will be remain part of our country's history but not be part of its future.

Additional Emergency Volunteer Opportunities and Resources

National Disaster Medical System

U.S. Freedom Corps

Medical Reserve Corps

American Red Cross

[nightingale, RN]

As always, very detailed articles. Thank you for putting them together. It was chilling to read Eventsyncs post after one year.

Do you know what may be decided about the towers and rebuilding a monument? When I visitied earlier this year, it was comforting to see the activity around the towers. Always resillent, those New Yorkers... gotta love em!

B.

[-jt]

Its been decided that there will probably be no decisions for a very long time

[-jt]

working heroes to a national tragedy. >>>

go to http://www.aflcio.org/sept_11/

and scroll to the link titled When Duty Calls,

A Tribute to New York City Fire Fighters and Other Working Heroes