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Alumni on the Front Lines | Sarah Blanchette

Alumna Sarah Blanchette finds ways to offer support and comfort to co-workers at Southern NH Medical Center.

Sarah Blanchette received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Rivier in 2017 and her B.S . in Nursing in 2020. For the last three years, she has been working at Southern NH Medical Center on a medical surgery unit that specializes in orthopedics and neurosurgery. She told us the pandemic has brought a lot of fear and uncertainty, and that she has had to learn to adapt to new rules and policies as things have evolved. “It has been my responsibility to take care of patients who are not COVID-19 positive. It is crucial to follow the policies in place to ensure the safety of these patients. As elective surgeries have recently re-opened, we have begun testing all surgical patients on our unit who will be going into surgery.” “Throughout this pandemic, I have been challenged in many ways and have learned a lot,” Sarah told us. “I have found it helpful to develop goals for myself to ensure I stay present for my patients and co-workers. I remember the eagerness and compassion that drove me to attend Rivier in the first place and it helps me stay strong.”

The effects of working during a pandemic have taken a toll on hospital staff. Sarah has tried to add something positive to their day by creating baskets with items such as granola bars, lollipops, and soup that staff could take as they needed them. In addition, she collected and donated diapers to staff members with young children and sewed buttons on headbands to help the nursing staff be comfortable when wearing their protective equipment. “Overall I hope to lead by example and encourage others to be compassionate, comforting, and supportive of each other. We can all shine a light during this dark time.”

Thank you for shining your light, Sarah! Keep up the good work!