Shining examples of nursing care surface from helicopter tragedy

Abstract

British Journal of Nursing, 2014, Vol 23, No 1 67 © 2 01 4 M A H ea lth ca re L td Shining examples of nursing care surface from helicopter tragedy Friday night, 29 November 2013 was like most Fridays in Glasgow—people out socialising and enjoying themselves with their friends and families. Then, at 10:25 pm, the unimaginable happened for the crew and people in The Clutha Bar in Glasgow City. While my thoughts and condolences are extended to those who sadly lost their lives, or were injured in the helicopter accident, I want to pay tribute to the exemplary way that all the nursing staff across the Acute Services Division rallied and responded to this major emergency. This experience has shown me first-hand, once again, how nurses in Greater Glasgow and Clyde have contributed positively towards the patient and family experience, particularly in a challenging and difficult major emergency. There is no doubt that the patients and their families that attended the hospitals have had supportive and positive experiences with nursing and multidisciplinary teams during a very difficult time for them and their families. It is really important that we, as nurses, remember that our patients and their families have been very positive about their experiences of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary team. Let us all, as nurses, be proud together of everything we do for the NHS. We are, after all, the backbone of the organisation. As nurses, we must be true to our patients and their families/carers. Remember why you originally chose the profession of nursing and be proud and true to this goal. Remind yourself every day that you are there to provide the best patient and family care possible. So let’s be: ■ Proud together of our patients and their families at all times ■ Proud together of the nursing profession we represent, both on the job and in the community ■ Proud together of our peers and treat them with the respect and professionalism they deserve, as all good nurses would ■ Proud together and of yourself, and of knowing your own limitations. You also need to learn that it really is fine to use the word ‘No’ if you find yourself stressed out. Do something about it and don’t lose yourself in the process of helping others ■ Proud together and not be afraid to admit that you are confused or unsure of something ■ Proud together of protecting your patients and their families, and of always being willing to ask questions and get clarification ■ Proud together of being able to laugh as one. As nurses, we should be proud to see the humour in everyday events and not be afraid to acknowledge any of our shortcomings Rory Farrelly NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Director of Nursing Acute Services Division ■ Proud together of taking time for family and friends. As nurses, we must understand the importance of a work/life balance. This includes ample time for your family, friends and a personal life ■ Proud together of being great leaders and mentors. And let us please not eat our young! Instead, be a leader and an inspiration to the new nurses or the inexperienced nurses in your team, and the wider team. Teach them and help them to excel in what they do. Both the profession and the NHS will benefit immensely when you share your talent in this way