CONFLICT: Nurse serves essential purpose

The article and editorial of July 14, concerning Cindy Clark as a board member, have placed the focus on Clark as a competitor instead of an experienced and knowledgeable nurse. This detracts from Clark’s message when she ran for the board position which was, nurses have valuable input concerning the day-to-day issues of patient care.

I retired as a nurse in December 2018 after investing 45 years at the bedside and in nursing education. I know with certainty that nurses are first-line advocates for safe, skilled and compassionate patient care. I voted for Clark because I think it is critical that a nurse’s perspective be represented on the Kootenai Health Board. It would appear that since two nurses were voted to board positions, that there are a lot of like-minded people in our community.

In The Press article “A question of conflict,” Kim Anderson, a hospital spokesperson, said, “The board is charged with managing assets and HEALTH CARE so Kootenai Health can continue to be community-owned and independent.” The board has the opportunity to view HEALTH CARE from Clark’s perspective as a care advocate.

My opinion is that the board and The Press have placed significant focus on the perceived threat of a competitor vs. improving health care at the bedside. My question is, during board meetings, are the main topics of discussion fending off the competition or improving patient care and satisfaction? Clark is there for the latter.

MARSHA BECKER

RN, MSN

Dalton Gardens