Erin O'Connor '15 BSN, RN, PCN

Clinical Nurse II, Medicine TCU
UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco

April 8, 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!