In praise of the RNs at Bonner General

I recently had an opportunity to experience both the emergency room and the intensive care unit of Bonner General Hospital.

While there are many people to thank for my recovery, including Dr. Crane, it is the registered nurses I met who I wish to praise and thank now. Each one of them was a healer. Each one brought humor, knowledge, compassion and, above all, healing peace.

Each of them was not only a nurse, a practitioner of health, but also a teacher. One cannot underestimate their value to the healing profession. Nor should they ever be underpaid or overworked. They are priceless, but need to be well compensated. The hospital should shut down unless they are given their due accord. As many people who make the hospital run, without great RNs you don’t have a hospital.

It was also very, very pleasing to hear that I think at least three of the nurses I named were trained and certified by North Idaho College and had many of their classes right here in Sandpoint. More, please!

I send thanks to Lynn and Jon and Bryce of the ER, to Sara and Karen of the outpatient surgery clinic; to Patty and April and Keely and Darwin and dear Lorraine from New York of the ICU. She got me through literal dark nights. And, another big thanks to someone who also offered healing words: Rose, the cleaning lady. God bless them all.

STEPHEN DRINKARD

Sandpoint