Saint Alphonsus Critical Care Nurses Volunteer in COVID-19 Hot Spots
Seven Nurses Working in Michigan, California
Seven critical care nurses from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center are assisting overwhelmed medical teams facing COVID-19 patient surges and staffing challenges at Trinity Health hospitals in Michigan and California.
Three nurses are working at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, California, two are at St. Mary Mercy in Livonia, Michigan and two others are working in the ICU at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Oakland, Michigan. They left Boise on April 5 and are expected to be in their new temporary assignments until at least early May.
"I feel privileged when I can provide care and help on the front lines," said Olivia Cordes, working the day shift in the ICU at St. Agnes in Fresno. "I can make a difference in a community, whether it's here in California or back home in Idaho, and I'm happy to do it."
"These seven nurses represent the mission, vision and value of Saint Alphonsus," said Odette Bolano, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System. "Their selflessness in a time of crisis speaks volumes about their dedication, compassion and service in the spirit of the Gospel. I couldn't be prouder of them."
"I am honored to work with such a highly skilled group of Critical Care Registered Nurses. Our Critical Care RNs provide exceptional care to complex critically ill patients every day," said Jennifer Misajet, Chief Nursing Officer for Saint Alphonsus Health System. "In this assignment they will bring their considerable skill and expertise to support our Trinity Hospitals experiencing Critical Care nursing needs. I applaud their willingness to deploy to the areas hard hit by COVID-19."
"I find nursing a vocation; it's more than just a profession for me. Wherever your desires and gifts fit a world need -- it definitely was a vocational calling for me to help out," said Devan Hromcik, working nights at St. Joseph Mercy in Oakland. "The surge of patients hasn't hit Boise, so I thought it would be helpful to utilize the gifts I have to come and help here, because I could."
"The unwavering commitment of these individuals humbles me and fills me with overwhelming pride. Their dedication to our facility and their willingness to venture out to our sister facilities during this unprecedented time of uncertainty is beyond description," said Kyli Jo Sandry, ICU Nursing Manager at Saint Alphonsus. "They are the truest definition of nursing, answering the call and rising to the occasion with poise and grace. This has been an amazing endeavor by those who have deployed and by the critical care team that remains in place to care for our local community. The steadfastness and bravery of this family of critical care nurses leaves me speechless."
"As we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic here in Michigan, we have received an outpouring of support from across our Trinity Health family," said Nickolas Nickolopoulos, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Mary Mercy Livonia. "Our staff welcomes the arrival of colleagues from Saint Alphonsus Health System and we look forward to the contributions they will make to the health and wellbeing of our community."
The nurses were originally anticipated to be helping in Michigan and California for two weeks, but they have had their assignments extended to help meet the need for critical care nurses at the other ministries.