Jolyne Barnett, ED Nurse Manager, Aarin Deibler, DAISY Honoree, Christina Martin, and Karen Oxler, Senior Nurse Executive
September 2013
Aarin
Deibler
,
BSN, RN, CEN
Emergency Department
Lancaster General Health
Lancaster
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

In the early morning hours of July 4th a tragic fire broke out in the home of large family in Lancaster city. 9 victims were transported to Lancaster General Hospital, including 4 children under the age of 9. Disasters of this magnitude with the types of injuries sustained in a fire are very difficult for the staff caring for the patients, especially when children are involved. Two of the children were pronounced in the Emergency Department. The other two children and their mother were flown to a burn center with life threatening injury. Both the mother and the two children later died at the burn center.

After such events, debriefing sessions for the staff are set up through the Lancaster General Health Chaplain's office. Aarin Deibler was one of the nurses who helped to care for the patients when she came to work on the morning of July 4th. She also witnessed the grief and sorrow of many of her co-workers from the night shift. When debriefing sessions were set up, Aarin was instrumental in promoting the importance and significance of debriefing for staff who are involved in the aftermath of human tragedy. She encouraged her co-workers from all disciplines to attend the sessions. Because of Aarin's efforts over 20 people attended the two debriefing sessions. All staff who attended said that the sessions were very beneficial in helping them to cope with their feelings.

Aarin serves as a role model for compassion and is an advocate for both patients and her co-workers.