 |
|
|
Amy Kane, Nurse On the Move |
|
|
|
It's a perfect Saturday morning. In spite of the fact that the March day is cold, the snow on the slopes of Sundown is dazzling, the coffee is great, and Amy Kane (who sits opposite me), is a young woman who definitely is “on the move” both in her role as a nurse at Mt. Carmel and as a ski patrol volunteer. However, from her enthusiasm, it's obvious that Amy is more than just a volunteer at the ski resort where we're meeting, just as it's quite apparent that she is more than just a nurse at Mt. Carmel where she worked as an aide before earning her BSN from Clarke in 1984 and becoming a permanent member of the staff. From all reports, Amy is greatly admired by the BVMs to whom she ministers and very much respected by her colleagues on the Sundown ski patrol where she has volunteered since 1985 to ensure the well-being of injured skiers. Amy loves every minute of her time spent both at Mt. Carmel and at Sundown. At Sundown, Amy not only covers the slopes in the event that a skier is injured, she is also the instructor-trainer for National Ski Patrol who plans and teaches the yearly class required of all ski patrol members to ensure that their skills are up to national standards. This role sometimes takes her to other Midwest states where she observes or teaches similar courses. A highlight of her travels, she says, occurred in 1999 when she participated in avalanche training in the mountains of Utah. Fellow ski patroller Gary Maruitzon says of Amy: “From the start of her ski patrol career, Amy has given 100% in enthusiasm and effort. She has dedicated herself to teaching and administering emergency care training throughout our region. She regularly travels six to eight hours to assure that our patrols are teaching first aid properly and at the highest possible standard.” Amy explains that she didn't always like to ski but became part of ski-patrol intending to volunteer her services only in the first aid room in 1985. Friends on ski patrol talked her into purchasing skis and trying them out. By December of 1986 she had not only learned how to ski, but passed the test that demonstrated she could successfully rescue an injured skier. Despite two later knee surgeries, Amy still loves to ski; she also enjoys and greatly respects ski patrol colleagues—referring to them as a “superb” group of 60 to 70 volunteers who keep the slopes safe each ski season. In the event that a skier is injured, ski-patrol members assess the injury, bring a “toboggan” to the person in need of help, and see to it that the person is properly loaded onto the Argo (a vehicle designed to transport the toboggans up the slopes to the first aid room where the injured skier is either treated or picked up by ambulance). As a long-term care nurse, Amy is also able to practice her “assessment skills” at Mt. Carmel where she describes the staff and residents as another wonderful group of people who never fail to be lovingly supportive. If she appears tired on Monday morning after a weekend of ski-patrol, she says that one of the sisters will always ask, “What's the matter, honey?” And when her father passed away, she said she was overwhelmed by kindness shown to her and her mother. This past October, Amy became one of two “care managers” for the Motherhouse sisters who are in assisted and independent living. She has found the relocation process a new challenge; her job is now at times like that of “visiting nurse” as she travels to four relocation sites (St. Columbkille's, Julien Inn, Mt. Loretto and Sinsinawa Mound) to visit the sisters who have made those places their temporary homes. As she speaks, her concern for their health and comfort is apparent. All too soon, our Sundown visit unfortunately comes to an end. As Amy and I bid each other goodbye and she heads to her car, she says she just might have to go home, get her skiis, and return to enjoy this last glorious weekend of this ski season on the slopes. About the author: Associate Jeanne Harrington is a Dubuquer, and member of the Communications Advisory Committee. Return to Table of Contents. |
