A war veteran is now managing one of the busiest ICU's in Southern California. He's our KNX Hero of the Week, and he's not only saving lives, he's helping his fellow nurses and doctors get through some of the toughest moments of their careers.
Facing the death of a loved one is never easy. Facing death day-in and day-out for months, is extremely hard. But former Army veteran Wesley Willard is using his military experience to help keep his fellow staff members stable during a historic pandemic.
"I think it’s probably been one of the most difficult phases of it, understanding that people are not getting better, they are not walking out of here," explains Wesley. "And that's been very difficult for me, personally. [And] my nurses. You know, having to deal with death in a very intimate way."
The West Point graduate spent the early part of career serving active duty in Iraq, leading a team of soldiers. He says he's proud that every soldier was able to come home. Wesley later went on to work at the Navy Medical Center in San Diego, helping wounded warriors.
"It kind of gave me the motivation and desire to continue my nursing," says Wesley.
The married father is now the nurse manager of the Intensive Care Unit at Adventist Health White Memorial in Los Angeles. It's a job he took right as the corona virus was hitting the United States. The stress and urgency was familiar.
"I was fighting on the front lines of Iraq. And, now I feel like I'm fighting on the front lines of COVID. A lot of the same situations, the concern, the fear, the resolve - it’s all prevalent. You know, I had soldiers then, and I now I have nurses. It's been amazing how we've come together."
Stephanie Cota is the Nursing Clinical Director at Adventist Health White Memorial. She says Wesley is a symbol of strength and resiliency for everyone in the ICU. “He's from the community, he lives here, he works here. He's led his team to work through all of the concerns and the fears, and the workflow of taking care of these very complicated patients. He was able to lead his team into great care, worthwhile care, and keep them resilient!"
He's battled the front lines his entire career. ICU nurse manager and war veteran Wesley Willard is our KNX Hero of the Week!
KNX Heroes is brought to by California Resources Corporation, saluting our military veterans, and all of our heroes! Get more information on CRC by visiting https://www.crc.com/
If you know someone who is inspirational, motivational, life-changing or life-saving… nominate them as a future KNX Hero of the Week at https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/nominate