Science Enrichment: Visit from ICU Nurse Manager
Year 9 students have recently finished a unit in Science looking at Disease.
Last week a group of these students, along with some Year 10 students wishing to pursue a career in medicine, was given the opportunity to listen to and interview Michelle Dowd, a past student of the College. Michelle is now the Intensive Care Unit Nurse Manager at Liverpool Hospital.
Kiara M and Bianca J have written about the experience.
Michelle Dowd is the ICU Nurse Manager for Liverpool Hospital and during the COVID-19 pandemic, she had to do one of the hardest jobs possible. The amount of physical and mental strain Michelle had to endure, she never once gave up or said that it was too hard. Sometimes, she would be on the phone for hours at a time talking to the families of the patients in the ICU who had COVID 19. When Michelle spoke with us, she admitted that one of the most challenging parts of her job during the pandemic was saying to families that they can’t come to the hospital to visit their loved ones. This was really hard on her and the families. Yet she never gave in. She continued to be fearless and never let anything get her down. Michelle Dowd is a heroic woman who wasn’t afraid to admit that throughout the pandemic, she struggled. Yet, everyday she got up and went to work. She got up to help the people who couldn’t help themselves and she did an amazing job. Michelle told us about how her nurses never gave up and how strong they all were, as well as how proud she is of them. All of the workers in the health system, during the COVID-19 pandemic, are amazing and continue to be amazing, dedicated, courageous and resilient people, workers, friends and family.
The experience that we had whilst talking to Michelle Dowd was exceptionally inspirational. As students, spanning from Year 9 through to Year 12, all of the girls involved in the visit from Michelle, gained both her personal and professional perspectives of life as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges that an ICU Nurse may have to encounter. These challenges were overcome through the use of communication, by her team, the families of the patients and the patients themselves.
We thank Michelle for coming to St Patrick's College and sharing her experiences with us girls. She showed us how important it is to never give up on what you are passionate about. Michelle is an inspirational woman and is one of the many healthcare workers that should be commended for her work within the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kate Lefever - Science Coordinator
