Page 37 - SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS MAY 2021

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THE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY NORTH SHORE
MEDICAL CENTER
Georgia Burke, RN, RRT, BSN
Linda McQuade, RN
Lakeside Medical Center Saul Rivera, RN, BSN

Registered nurses Georgia Burke and Linda McQuade have Saul Rivera, R.N., B.S.N., is an
worked in various hospital specialties, but currently, they are Assistant Nurse Manager at
devoted to Lakeside Medical Center’s dialysis unit. Together, North Shore Medical Center. He
they look after patients suffering from acute kidney failure, has been serving the communi-
high blood pressure and hypertension, which at times are ty at North Shore for the past 15
combined with COVID-19 symptoms. years. Saul is in charge of over-
Their combined years of experience help them tackle any unforeseen situations. McQuade’s quick response seeing a team of nurses. He also
time from years of working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Burke’s previous experience as a respiratory provides training, scheduling
therapist, has helped the duo effectively treat COVID-19 patients undergoing dialysis treatments. and mentoring. Saul earned his
“When I see a patient on the ventilator during dialysis treatment I have a vast understanding of what the nursing degree at Ana. G
combination of both can do to the body,” Burke said. “A lot of times they exhibit low blood pressure, so it’s a Mendez University. During his spare time, he enjoys
combo of things and you just have to use all of your clinical skills to make sure the patient is safe.” spending time with his family and exploring the world

through travel. He has a passion for helping others and
Lesli Tosto, RN volunteering at local non-profits.
School Health Program

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, registered nurse Lesli Tosto was used to the
high traffic in her school’s clinic at Western Pines Community Middle School. Now,
the school health nurse oversees the care of more than 400 children, a third of the
usual school’s attendance, during the pandemic. She tackles the usual ailments seen E-mail Your
in schools as well as chronic conditions ranging from diabetes to seizures and severe Editorial Submissions to
allergies. She also conducts COVID-19 screenings, testing and helps with contact trac-
ing. “When we first started school everyone was nervous, including staff and admin- editorial@
istration, but then we got in our groove and had a system going,” she said. “COVID southfloridahospitalnews.com
brought more teachers to me with questions and concerns. I talked them through it
because if they’re fearful, they’re going to make the kids fearful.” By focusing on facts
and science, Tosto was able to help teachers understand COVID and help create a safer
environment for staff and students.

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