Thank You to Our Heroes!
Elizabeth Radil, RN (left) and Colleen Goeller (right) | Linden, New Jersey
Today we want to honor Elizabeth Radil, RN, and Colleen Goeller, RN, Cape Code Healthcare. Here is their story by Clare Mulroy.
Two school nurses employed by Linden Public Schools have joined Union County's fight against COVID-19 by volunteering in a big way.
Elizabeth Radil of School No. 6 and Colleen Goeller of the Central Registration Office are both working to assist coronavirus efforts in addition to their regular school duties.
Radil has been working at the Union County Drive-Thru Testing Center at Kean University, gathering samples from those being tested. She has been a nurse since 1985, joining Linden Public Schools 15 years ago. She worked for 13 years at McManus Middle School, before joining School No. 6 in 2018.
When schools transitioned to virtual learning, Radil kept busy with her duties from home, reaching out to families via phone and email, focusing on students with chronic health conditions, and providing information and support.
“Still, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough,” she said. “I wanted to do more to help in this health crisis. I thought of the nurses, including many of my friends, working on the front lines in unimaginable circumstances. I felt useless.”
Initially, she tried to volunteer with the Union County Medical Reserve Corp for case management, but they were at the capacity with volunteers. Instead, they asked if Radil would be interested in volunteering at the Union County testing center.
“I said yes and started the next day,” said Radil.
She said her husband was concerned for her safety at the testing center, but she assured him she would be protected with the proper medical gear. She said the drive-through testing site is well organized and designed to minimize exposure to workers.
The hard part, she said, is seeing the worry on the faces of those coming in for testing.
“Sometimes my eyes tear up at the sight of elderly folks being driven by their children, whole families being tested, or by the grateful reactions many people express behind the window,” she said. “I have met inspiring people, some who are still working their regular jobs and volunteer on their days off. County staff are dedicated, knowledgeable, appreciative, kind, and always smiling despite many working six days per week. It feels good to be part of this group that is providing a vital service to those affected by this dreaded virus," said Radil. “I feel useful now and that feels good.”
Goeller, on the other hand, has been working at the Union County Office of Health Management providing resources to residents in need during this pandemic.
She has been a nurse since 1984, and worked at School No. 4 from 2008 until last school year, before joining Central Registration this year. Before schools switched to virtual learning, Goeller assisted with the collection of health information to be provided on the district website, including a “Paw Patrol” video on hand-washing that was distributed to students.
Since starting her volunteer work, she has been helping with case management for the Union County Office of Health Management, communicating with individuals, physicians and local boards of health regarding COVID-19 test results to ensure that appropriate care is provided.
She says we all have a crucial role to play in fighting the spread of the coronavirus.
“Fighting COVID-19 is the responsibility of every individual,” said Randil. “If one cannot provide essential services then they are duty-bound to stay home to flatten the curve. Individuals must stay apart so that they can then be together.”
Goeller said she expects to be working in a front-line capacity in the coming weeks.
“The health care sector is currently stretched beyond its capacity,” she said. “Navigating the health care system is poorly understood by those who are not involved in the delivery of care. Every second counts. Delays in access to testing, test results, and appropriate follow-up care jeopardizes the health and well-being of our community at large. I have the skill set and desire to assist those whom I can. Humanity is why I answer the call.”
Thank you Elizabeth and Colleen for your commitment, dedication, and compassion for your patients and communities.
If you have a story and pictures of a front line nurse you would like us to highlight on our website and social media, please email them to us at info@helphopehonor.org.
