Donna Didimos is the Patient Care Manager for St. Joe’s Emergency Department. For the past 7 ½ years, she has led her team of nurses through many challenges but none compare to this past year with COVID-19.
“COVID-19 has changed the way we all work,” Donna explains, “especially here in the ER. We are on the frontline and at times, particularly when the pandemic began, it is frightening.”
Throughout the pandemic, St. Joe’s Emergency Department has cared for our community’s health care needs. People continued to have medical needs that required emergency care, such as heart attacks and strokes, and St. Joe’s nurses—and all staff—were there through it all.
“I could not be more proud of my team of nurses,” says Donna. “It’s been physically and mentally exhausting but, through it all, they continue to step up in ways that reflects the reason we are all nurses: compassion, empathy and the push for excellence to provide the best care for our community.” From helping each other in their day-to-day work and lending a hand to help lessen the load for one another where possible, to being there to support each other through tough times—there is a level of care here at St. Joe’s that is like no other in comparsion.”
The nurses at St. Joe’s—in all departments—care for their patients, colleagues and community. We are fortunate for the work they do every day, for their compassion, resilience and dedication to their profession.
“I’ve never worked with a group of people like this,” states Donna. “I’m fortunate to work alongside them every day. I’m truly inspired by them.”
As #NationalNursesWeek comes to an end, honour a St. Joe’s nurse or team with a donation and message of support.