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Instantly, the power is gone. Darkness prevails. If you think about it, most of us are not comfortable with darkness – we are hard-wired for light. Twenty-three hours of darkness at IU Hospital this week was an interesting challenge. I’m sure debriefings have run the gamut of every department within the system. I’d like to add my two cents with a few observations from my perch on 4South.

There is a plan. Disaster drills are such a nuisance – especially when you are in charge and the day is horrendous. So are fire drills when it is 0705. And, code drills. Nonetheless, they are all the foundation of preparedness. I suppose the people who are responsible for all of this stuff are going over the details with a fine-tooth comb. From my vantage point: It’s a good plan, and it worked.

People become very resourceful and depend on one another when it is dark. Night shift people can verify this in particular. I understand morning blood draws were more than interesting. So once again we revert to what we learned in kindergarten: “Hold hands and stick together.” Teamwork is a great force.

4South had the benefit of a few working computers. We had to share. It worked well. By and large, people do not want to PAPER CHART. I even found myself being one of them – imagine that!

Patients are very resilient. Given the appropriate information they respond in kind. From the moment a patient is admitted to the hospital, they become dependent. I find it amazing how people respond in that state when given “appropriate information.” I also find it interesting how communication and relationships change when we are all in the same boat: We bond quickly.

Management was right there with us. They were visible, available, resourceful, dependable and appreciative – working for the common good. Why is it that we don’t always see them in that light? I even had a few personal minutes with the Chief of Staff. How special was that!? What he offered was encouragement.

During the day, the unit was quiet. We had limited light, fewer people using our space and a slower pace. It was nice.

We will all have stories to tell. Over the years I have endured many situations without power – some of them lasting for several days; most of them weather-related. We will have fun remembering.

Without electricity, how would we function? Think about that for a minute. And then, think about this: When the power goes out, we are empowered, and the power of the individual is endless.

Sherry

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