Scott celebrates nurse, medical technician’s week Published May 15, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Medical Group took time May 6-12 to recognize the hard work of nurses and medical technicians at Scott Air Force Base. Nurse and Medical Technician's Week served as an opportunity to educate others about the roles medical staff play in meeting the health care needs on base. The nurses and medical technicians attended several events during the week, including a briefing by Maj. Gen. Kimberly Siniscalchi, assistant Air Force surgeon general, an American Nurse's Association live webinar broadcast, and a community health fair in the James Gym. "That week was a time to recognize all the goodness nursing brings to the care of patients and the whole medical field," said Col. Elizabeth Harrell, 375th MDG chief nurse. "It allows me to thank the enlisted medical technicians for their contributions. Nursing constantly ranks high for being one of the most respected professions." McKisa Fryer, 375th MDG Flight Medicine nurse manager, said nurses are the eyes and ears for the providers. "Normally, we talk to the patients before the provider," she said. "We collaborate with the provider concerning the patient." In addition to assisting the doctors, nurses also make sure the patient receives the needed care. "We provide comfort, compassion and are an advocate for the patient if there is anything the patient doesn't understand or not receiving something from the provider," Fryer said. Fryer said medical technicians also play a vital part in patient care. "The technicians are the right hand for the provider," she said. "They are the first person a patient sees other than administration. Some technicians administer medication, bandage wounds, put on splints and assist in other procedures." Briana Johnson, mental health technician, said she appreciated the recognition the medical staff received. "It's always nice to be recognized for what we do to support the mission," Johnson said. "Our job is to help make things run smoothly in the clinic." Fryer said this week helped boost morale within the clinic. "It provided a sense of appreciation and accomplishment," she said. "It motivated us to continue to give the best quality of care to the patients." Harrell said she works with an amazing medical team and appreciates everything they do for patient care. "I work with some exceptional Airmen who have been well trained to serve in garrison and in the combat field," said the nurse with more than 30 years of experience. "Their whole focus is on the patient and making sure their medical experience is a positive one."