Violet Humphrey, R.N., B.S.N., C.P.R.I., Director of Nursing for Day Hospital since 2010, answered a few questions about being an integral part of the “Blythedale Difference” and what Black History Month means to her.
Tell us about what you do in a typical day at Blythedale.
As the Director of Day Hospital, my day usually starts at 8:00 a.m., except on Tuesdays when I start at 7:00 a.m. to offer support and supervision to the inpatient units .
My Day Hospital team and I gather for morning report or ‘run-down’. There, we discuss pertinent information regarding patient/families, school, staff, daily workflow, and organizational issues. We also present problem-solving strategies and focus on having a positive workday.
By 8:30 a.m., the arrival process begins with all hands-on deck. The nursing staff and the Mt. Pleasant Blythedale School staff help make this process as safe and timely as possible.
During the pandemic, most of our nursing cares are performed in the school area when possible. Maintaining social distancing, hand hygiene and infection control measures are implemented daily.
At 11:30 a.m., the morning shift is dismissed and here we observe the dismissal process which mimics the arrival process. Staff then prepares for the afternoon shift which begins at 12:30 p.m.
During the day, I am involved in various meetings, but I find quality time to interact with my staff. We have lunch together at times, we celebrate various occasions, and we have award ceremonies to highlight various achievements within the department and hospital wide. I maintain an open-door policy to all staff or BCH employees.
What is your favorite thing about working at the hospital?
One of the most favorite things about working at Blythedale Children's Hospital is the relationship that I have with the entire Day Hospital team. The team includes the nurses, nursing assistants, unit secretary (all who are my direct report staff), Dr. Mary Didie and Shaimole Kumpiluvely, C.P.N.P. (as our medical providers) and Dr. Ruth Alejandro and Dr. Michelle Wei (our physiatry staff). We are an awesome team! A great team! The best team!
The staff display such passion in providing care to the students/children. We gain a sense of satisfaction and excitement with their improvement.
Another reason is having the opportunity to lead, to motivate and to organize the Nursing Assistant Council. This achievement has especially ignited me to always want to be here at Blythedale.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month at BCH is very special to me, even more so this year. Black history is not about anyone’s skin color; but it is bringing an awareness about our culture. Ethnicity, race, gender, and age are all inclusive factors that make up the diversity. Twenty-one years ago, when I stepped into Blythedale’s doors, I was among the 1% of Black nurses in this organization.
I never felt uncomfortable and most times I was unaware. We were a family, a diverse family. We saw each other’s potential, strengths and appreciate each’s other work.
One of my strengths is to motivate others to perform at their potential and to make a difference in someone’s life.
Name a Black American you admire or think people should learn more about.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama is someone whom I admire and would love to learn more about. Mrs. Obama’s focus based on unity for all is something that is very important, especially in the world that we live in. Working at Blythedale over the years, I have seen the changes in becoming a more diverse population and enjoy watching it continue to grow.
