Texas Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas nurses’ speak about Ebola protocol

Ebola’s debut in Dallas, Sept. 28, put the nation in fear. While citizens of Dallas were petrified of the disease, brave nurses treated the first patient, Thomas Eric Duncan. Duncan, shortly after diagnosis, died of Ebola on Oct. 8.

In the process of treating Duncan, Nina Pham, a nurse contracted the disease through direct contact with the patient’s bodily fluids. When this event took place questions were raised about the nurses’ safety, as well as the rest of the citizens of Dallas and the United States.

“We never talked about Ebola and we probably should have,” said Nurse Briana Aguirre in an exclusive interview with Today Health. “They gave us an optional seminar to go to. Just informational, not hands on. It wasn’t even suggested we go. We were never told what to look for.”

Aguirre was a nurse working at Texas Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, but did not take care of Duncan. Although, she did treat Pham. Aguirre did not feel as if the nurses of the hospital were prepared.

Engineering teacher, Dr. Jacob Day’s wife, Kassi Day, works at the hospital. She feels differently of the situation.

Kassi said that she could not interview about Ebola or the procedures taken to care for the patients due to the policies of media and the protection of her patients.

“I am sorry I am not able to specifically address the situation regarding the Ebola cases,” Kassi said. “What I can tell you is that despite all that is being said in the news and by the public, I am proud to be a nurse working for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.”

Kassi stated that as with all jobs, when agreeing to work for a company, an employee agrees to the rules, policies and procedures of that company. She is thankful for the outpouring support from other hospitals, some local media and the public.

“As a nurse, we truly are the front line in the hospital and we go to work each shift not knowing what we will encounter, whether diseases, trauma, death or recovery,” Kassi said. “We make the choice to give our patients the best care possible, without hesitation.”