After days of closures from the inclement winter weather, the School of Nursing’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic had a tremendous undertaking to make up for lost time when it reopened on Feb. 19. But faculty, students and staff came together, despite loss of power, lack of water and road closures, to vaccinate over 1,200 people.
“We had folks stuck on highways for two hours,” said Cindy Sickora, DNP, RN, vice dean of practice and clinical professor in the School of Nursing. “Many hadn’t had heat or water for days, but despite the elements and the hardships many suffered, we had over 50 people report for duty to ensure our vaccine clinic was a success.”
The vaccination session lasted from noon to 4 p.m., and at the start of the day only three people were able to make it out to help facilitate the clinic. But by mid-afternoon, the large team of at least 50 faculty, students and staff had assembled, with some even bringing along their family members to help. For fear of leaving someone out, Dr. Sickora did not name each individual for their efforts, but noted that despite long lines, spirits were high and everyone there displayed the power of nursing.
“I was really taken by the dedication of the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing’s commitment to this effort,” Dr. Sickora said. “It was heartwarming after a miserable week.”