The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene at the end of September is insurmountable. The death toll continues to climb, and the cost of the destruction is now well over $30 billion.

Many of us had facilities affected by it. Some had to evacuate. Some lost electricity and water and had roofs damaged. In some areas, staff couldn’t get in. 

And you know what? That amazing spirit kicked in. Staff stayed around the clock despite wanting to go home and check on their families and places, volunteers showed up, administrators pulled out grills and cooked food. Volunteers came in and cleaned up water. People came together and just did what needed to be done. 

No one cared during this horrendous political climate if anyone was red or blue or, frankly, purple. People did what they always do in our profession: They came together and helped. 

Now, as Hurricane Milton is barreling toward us, I honestly don’t know what to expect will happen to our home or surroundings.

I do know one thing, however:  No matter what happens, people will come together again and do what needs to be done. And with that, I say, God bless all who work in senior care. Because despite what our often horrible mainstream media says, we can always count on us!!!

Just keeping it real,

Nurse Jackie

The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, Senior Director of Clinical Innovation and Education for Mission Health Communities, LLC, and an APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real-life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, a 2024 McKnight’s Veteran VIP Woman of Distinction award winner, and an accomplished stand-up comedienne. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.

The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.

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