Heartbroken

[abc123RN]

Today has been one of the hardest days in my short time as a school nurse. Yesterday our community suffered a horrible loss. Two children died as a result of a house fire, a third child, only an infant passed away today. Another sibling made it out safely with their mother. As hard as it was for me to go to work this morning, it was nothing compared to how hard it was for the staff of the school these children attended. We are in one of those communities where everyone knows everyone so of course this is so difficult for the entire community. I just want to share with everyone just how quick things can change and you just never know when one of those precious little ones won't be coming back to the health office. I know that today, I made sure that every student that visited my office, those I encountered in the halls and in the classrooms I visited, knew that I am here for them and really care about them.

[abc123RN]

Thank you everyone, please remember the community esp the family and those that responded to the scene and worked so hard and tirelessly at the hospital. This has been very difficult on the police officers and fire fighters, they are having a hard time.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I hope your community has Critical incident stress management resources for EMT/Police/Hospital staff along with seperate CISM for school employees and students.

Best wishes moving forward.

[abc123RN]

Oh yes all resources have been put in place and working with all involved.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

After a very tragic car accident, our first responders (Police/Fire/EMS) struggled....we opened our doors and hearts to them (in addition to other professional resources they used. We debriefed with the Police Chief, who felt he had to hold it all together for HIS staff. He found it to be very cathartic and helpful.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I am so sorry for everyone involved in this tragedy and your community. God bless you all...

[rbytsdy]

I'm so sorry. I think it's really hard when you work in a "wellness" area of nursing. Our kids aren't sick. This isn't an acute care facility. Our kids aren't "supposed" to die. Not that it's ever easy to watch a child die but there is no way to prepare for it as a school nurse. It's sudden and tragic and we often knew them and their families as part of the community. We had a child die at the beginning of the school year. It took me a couple months to finally pull his chart and file it with other students who left the school. It was so so sad.