BALAD AIR BASE, IRAQ –
Name: Maj. Maria-Elena Coppola
Home Unit: 1st Medical Group
What's a day in the life of a Critical Care Nurse like?
1600-Wake and get ready for work
1730-Leave for work
1800-Get report from other shift leader, make patient assignments, narcotic count
1815-Get some food before shift starts
1845-Begin shift/get report on assigned patient/make sure other nurses have gotten adequate reports
1845-0645-Patient care; the reason why I'm here
1850-Shift leader checks
1900-Assess assigned patient/document. Turn patient Q2hrs, medicate as needed/scheduled
2330-Midnight meal
0300-AM labs/electrolyte replacement
0500-Clean up nurse's station, prepare for dayshift charge nurse arrival at 0600
0600-Give report to dayshift charge nurse, narcotic count
0645-Give report on assigned patient
0700-Night shift leave as a group
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now?
That going to the bathroom is a process that requires getting dressed, wearing sunglasses, and at least a 50-100 yard trek, depending on what Cadillac (bathroom) is open.
What's the most useful item you packed?
My soft sheets and shower caddy with all of my toiletries.
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? When I got to the area of responsibility in August at 120 degrees at 10 p.m. and realized...it's entirely possible to melt.
What has been the highlight of your tour?
Beer for the Superbowl...even when you are not a beer drinker, it was the best.
What's the best part of the deployment?
The friends I made, the old friends I ran into, and the bond we made...I will always remember them, the good and bad will always be 'our' experience. Special Op's letting me fire all of their weapons at the range, "I didn't realize I am very good."
What new survival skill have you learned?
That if you stop drinking early enough before going back to your containerized housing unit, that you can sleep at least eight hours straight without getting dressed and trekking to the cadalliac mid sleep cycle.
What do you do during down time?
Salsa dancing, school work, laundry and hanging out with friends.
What is the first thing you will do and eat when you return?
Sushi, one hour massage, pedicure, go to my hair stylist and get a good cut and highlight. Spend time with my family.
What do you miss the most?
My kids and not having to dress to go to the bathroom.
Have you tried the local cuisine?
One of the interpreters has family nearby, we got to try "fresh" dates, right off the tree.
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside?
The only things that matter to me while I'm gone, is hearing/missing huge parts of my children's lives. The politics, the financial bailout, gas prices, and everything else...just aren't as important. Mostly the 'news' was just irritating, people have their priorities wrong. Family is the only thing that will be there for you, the only ones you can rely on.
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment?
I am now essentially debt free and got promoted. My life is good...very good.
If so, what will you buy?
I have a high school senior...college tuition is in my near future. I may buy a new car, and my husband and I have discussed a family vacation, just don't know yet.