Catie Ebner '19 BSN, RN

Staff Nurse, Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, COVID-19 Volunteer
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

April 2, 2020

During these unprecedented times, it is easy to get swept up in the media; but every time I see the Villanova V on my water bottle, I think of the strong work ethic and values I learned in clinical and in the classroom. Having graduated nearly 5 years ago, I am SO proud to be a graduate from the Villanova College of Nursing!

I am very grateful that the hospital I work at made strong initiatives from the get-go in response to this pandemic. Hospital staff is required to wear a mask at all times; a new mask is given to us when we come to work each day after passing a screening assessment. We currently have ample amounts of PPE, and I am confident that this will still hold true if/when a surge comes to the Bay Area.

To think that something of this magnitude is happening in the 21st century is crazy. I am reminded of Dean Fitzpatrick and her drive that she instilled in me as well as anyone who knew her: that there will be tough times and when those tough times come, we must rise up.

While I am fortunate that the COVID-19 cases are under control in San Francisco at the moment, I send my love and prayers to my fellow alumni on the east coast. Villanova Nurses are fearless in this fight!